The Lodge at Blue Sky

The Lodge at Blue Sky

Area: Wanship, Utah

Vibe: Rustic luxury

Style: Ranch

Fun Fact: The Creek Houses are for adults only

Don’t Miss: Heli-skiing, heli-snowboarding—even heli-yoga

Nature lovers, take note: If you want both the great outdoors and lux accommodations, then The Lodge at Blue Sky is the place for you. Set in the mountains of Utah, the 3,500-acre ranch offers everything from great dining to rejuvenating spa treatments to tons of fantastic activities—all set against a breathtakingly beautiful backdrop.

Location: This rural resort is set in the middle of the Uinta Mountain Range and Wasatch Mountain Range in Wanship, Utah. It’ll take you about 45 minutes to reach the lodge from Salt Lake City International Airport and it’s easily accessible by car. If you’re interested in seeing any nearby cities, Park City is about half an hour from the resort, while Salt Lake City is about 40 minutes away.

Vibe: Peaceful and bucolic, the lodge offers three distinct types of accommodations: Sky Lodge, Earth Suites, and Creek Houses. At Sky Lodge, there are 19 suites, all of which have private terraces, high ceilings and contemporary décor, with lots of wood tones and neutral colors. The two-bedroom signature suites clock in at 2,240-square-feet, and are each spread out over two floors, offering separate dining and living rooms, as well as a large terrace. For a different feel, there are the Earth Suites. They are “designed as a natural extension of the land by utilizing locally-sourced limestone and living grass roofs”—and all have a private terrace and outdoor fireplace. Lastly—and only for the adults—are the one-bedroom Creek Houses, which are located right along Alexander Creek and feature floor-to-ceiling windows, a terrace, and more.

Why we love it: There’s so much to experience at this resort, particularly when it comes to the wide variety of activities. And we really do mean a wide variety: There’s fly fishing, biking, horseback riding, an 18-stand sporting clay course, and of course, miles and miles of hiking—not to mention painting, photography, and so much more. There are a number of ski resorts in the area, including at the nearby Park City Mountain Resort, which offers a private lounge exclusively for Lodge guests. But if you’re really looking to take things to the next level, ask about the heli-program. Whether you choose heli-skiing, heli-mountain biking or even heli-yoga, you’ll be able to take a helicopter ride to experience nature in a totally new way. On the dining front, there are eight different options, including a few private dining options, as well as The Bar + Lounge, The Refectory, and Yuta. At Yuta, much of the food is locally and sustainably sourced, with ingredients like eggs and honey coming straight from the resort’s farm, Gracie’s Farm. Then, to truly unwind, head to the Edge Spa at Blue Sky, which overlooks Alexander Creek and offers treatments like “Back in the Saddle Massage” and “High Whisky Journey,” which starts with a whiskey, salt and sage foot soak. Plus, there’s a heated pool, meditation classes, and more.

Why Go F1rst: If you book through First in Service, you’ll receive a $50 breakfast credit for two every day of your stay and a $100 resort credit, as well as early check-in/late check-out and a room upgrade, if available.

F1S Tips: Yogis in particular will appreciated the special yoga experiences the lodge offers, including “yoga in silks” ”snowshoe and yoga” and “heli-yoga and meditation”—plus free yoga classes four days a week.

Belmond Cap Juluca

BELMOND CAP JULUCA

AREA

Maundays Bay, Anguilla

VIBE

Waterfront escape

STYLE

Beach

FUN FACT

Get around the resort in turquoise VW vans!

DON’T MISS

Being able to “swim to breakfast”

Beach lovers, rejoice: The Belmond Cap Juluca in Anguilla recently re-opened after extensive renovations—and the result is what vacations are made of. That is: A white sand beach, stunning water views, villas with private pools and seafood served sea-side, with the chance to unplug and relax against a truly gorgeous background.

Location:

Just 20 minutes from the airport, Belmond Cap Juluca occupies an enviable location right on Maundays Bay, a stretch of turquoise beach on the western side of the island. The resort is Belmond’s second property in the Caribbean, with the first on the island of nearby Saint Martin.

Vibe:

The property’s description of its “barefoot luxury” couldn’t be more accurate—and can be felt throughout the resort, from the green-tiled pool to the limestone floors to the 108 rooms and suites, which all overlook the ocean. The rooms, suites and villas are outfitted in whites and grey and other neutrals, with pops of blue and green, which all feature a private terrace (equipped with lounge chairs that are just begging to be napped on), while others allow you to walk straight out to the beach.

Why we love it:

Let’s start with the colors: From the white Greco-Moorish buildings to the blue of the water to the botanical designs and greenery throughout the resort, the surroundings alone can quickly transport you to a place of pure chill. Then, add everything else: While relaxing can easily get top billing, lots other cool offerings abound. There are pedal bikes and turquoise VW vans to take you around the resort; to relax and re-set, there’s a spa, The Arawak Spa (with its own pool!), and 24-hour fitness center; and a resident yoga instructor to lead classes throughout the day. Plus, there’s a whole slew of activities to tug at the heartstrings of water lovers, like kayaking and snorkeling, and sports fanatics, like golf and basketball. When it comes to drinking and dining, there are four options: the signature Pimms, which offers a chance to try local eats, the Cap Shack with its vintage food truck, where you can sip on a cocktail while you dig your feet into the sand, as well as Maundays Club, serving Peruvian tapas and Cip’s by Cipriani.

Why you should Go F1RST:

When you’re ready to jet off to the beach, booking through F1S will earn you a welcome treat, breakfast for two, $100 food and beverage credit, and complimentary upgrade at check-in, if available.

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Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens

FOUR SEASONS ASTIR PALACE HOTEL ATHENS

AREA

Athens, Greece

VIBE

Beachfront resort

STYLE

City, beach

FUN FACT

The now renovated 1960’s bungalows are original

DON’T MISS

Arriving via helicopter on the hotel’s helipad!

City meets beach at this Athens resort, the first in Greece for the brand. Set on 74 acres of beachfront property, with truly stunning views of the Aegean Sea, you’ll never want to leave—but when you do, you’ll be just steps from the city and it’s many amazing cultural attractions. And with eight restaurants, a spa and a helipad (so not only can you stay in style, but arrive that way as well), there’s no shortage of lux amenities to make for a truly one-of-a-kind escape.

Location:

What’s particularly great about the property—on the Astir Peninsula—is that it’s only a half hour from downtown Athens, which means you can do the touristy thing in the morning and then hang out on a lounge chair by the beach all afternoon. The renovated and updated hotel, once the home of the Astir Palace Hotel, is also about half hour from Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos—and the hotel can set up transfers, including by helicopter. (And if you opt to arrive by helicopter, you cut your commute in half, to just 15 minutes.)

Vibe:

There’s a full-on resort vibe at this property, even though you’re so close to downtown Athens, thanks largely to its private location on the Athens Riviera. Once there, you can choose from 303 suites, rooms, and bungalows—with the suites and rooms divided among two buildings, the Arion and the Nafsika. The Arion offers more of a “laid-back vibe” and includes a suite of up to four bedrooms, which boasts both a private terrace and pool. The rooms and suites at Nafsika, on the other hand, all have ocean views and include suites of up to three bedrooms, some with their own pools. If you’re looking for a slightly different feel, try one of the bungalow suites, which all have decks or balconies—and a number of which offer private infinity pools and more. In general, the rooms offer a sense of relaxation, with greys, whites and natural wood elements.

Why we love it:

While you can—and should—check out all the amazing history and culture in Athens (hello, Acropolis!), if you prefer to also spend lots of time hanging out at the hotel, you won’t be disappointed. In fact, there’s little not to love about this lux property. That starts with its surroundings, which includes three (!) private beaches and a long boardwalk, ideal for lounging. But it doesn’t stop there for water-lovers, who can take a dip in one of the resort’s three pools, or try their hand at snorkeling or stand-up paddle boarding. There are lots of other activities, too, including a basketball court, jogging trails and tennis courts. When it comes to dining, possibilities abound, thanks to the eight dining and drinking options—from Taverna 37, which serves up Greek cuisine to Mercato for Italian to Aristotle’s, where you can enjoy a cigar and cognac or whiskey. For those whose idea of relaxation tends towards the massage-and-facial variety, the Spa at Four Seasons has 10 treatment rooms, as well as “The Fountain House,” featuring an aroma steam grotto and lots more. Plus, there’s a salon and 24-hour fitness center with classes. Traveling with family? There’s a Kids for All Seasons program—plus babysitting can be arranged, and there are kid-specific offerings, like cooking classes.

Why Go F1RST:

When you’re ready to start your Greek adventure, booking through First in Service means you’ll also get breakfast for two, served either through room service or at the hotel’s restaurant, a $100 spa credit, an upgrade if available and a welcome note at check-in.

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