Prepping for the Dolomites | HNHO - Ambiente Sedona

📷 Ambiente Sedona

WHERE TO NEXT?

Dear Traveler,

My house has been joyful for the last two days! We have all three kids under our roof for the first time in a long time. As they get older, that happens less frequently so when it does it's a cause for celebration (and official family dinners). The reason behind it is our upcoming summer family vacation which we are all eagerly looking forward to!

With travelers out and about in the world, and preparing for my own travels, this has been a busy week!

The theme of many client conversations this week has been event travel. I've enjoyed talking with you about upcoming travels surrounding an event... The 2024 Paris Olympics, Taylor Swift's international tour (I'm personally eyeing taking my kids to the concert in Madrid on May 30, 2024), an annual Michelin star dining weekend extravaganza and the first F1 race to be held in Las Vegas. Traveling for an event, whether it be a sports game, culinary event, concert or a friends' birthday celebration, is such a fun reason to travel and I'm excited to be helping you plan these special moments.

The July/August 2023 issue of Virtuoso Magazine is out! Those on the list will be getting it in the mail imminently. If you'd like a copy and aren't on the list and want to be, let me know as I add a handful of new subscribers with each edition.

It's the first issue focused on the arts. And they aren't talking about museums, they are exploring studios, ateliers and artisans. There are articles on Japan, Portugal, Costa Rica, Sydney, Santa Fe and more.

I've been preparing for my upcoming hiking trip in the Dolomites by... doing a lot of hiking. This weekend was a steep 5.2 mile round trip hike up Mt. Ascutney with 2500+ feet of vertical climb in the first 2.5 miles. To be honest it was more vertical than anything we'll be doing in Italy, but great preparation so the Dolomites feels easier in comparison. And since NH has been dealing with a lot of rain, when I can't get on a mountain I hop on the Peloton.

In addition to preparing with hikes, I've also been buying some outerwear and gear to make sure we are well equipped. Last night, my oldest daughter, who is currently an Outward Bound instructor in Maine and is also sponsored by Stio, informed me that starting today she is able to share a special promo code that gets her contacts 50% off for the next few days! It's Allison50. She said I could share it with you. So if you are looking for some new outdoor apparel - for adults or kids, backpacks, shoes, gear etc. take advantage at Stio.com. There are lots of great birthday ideas for the active person in your life.

I was inspired by this timely article in The NY Times - Altitude Meets Adrenaline: Running the Dolomites. I won't be running the trails, but I'm impressed by others that do! I think this section relates to both running and hiking...

"It took a few days to recalibrate and remember that the runner who comes all the way to Europe simply to run has made a mistake. The smart runner comes to these mountains for all of it: the warmth of the huts, the glimpses of edelweiss blooming beside the trail, the views of pale stone rising from aprons of green grass, the sweaty pleasure of hard work to arrive at high meadows beyond the orbit of the day hikers."

The Inspiration articles below include the best swim up pool bars, Madrid's flourishing 5 star hotel scene, 9 Italian islands only locals know about, the best restaurants in London and what books to add to your summer reading list.

And information regarding what you should know about flight delay compensation and the VERY EXCITING news that Delta is adding a "jet lag-busting" daytime flight from NYC to Paris!

As I leave on my overnight flight to Madrid tonight, I'll be wishing there was a daytime option! In the absence of that, I booked my hotel room the night before so it's ready for my nap when I arrive at 6:30a.

Enjoy your 4th of July celebrations wherever you are in the world!

Warmly,

Below:

This week's highlight - Riverhorse on Main
Hot New Hotel Opening - Ambiente Sedona
Inspiration + Information

RIVERHORSE ON MAIN

This week our clients are out West enjoying river rafting, horseback riding, hiking, mountain biking, scaling a via ferrata, searching for wildlife, river floating, soaking in hot springs, a behind the scenes visit to the Jackson Hole rodeo, gondola rides and of course beautiful views! Our family did a similar trip years ago, and it is an incredible family adventure! (I wish we were there too!)

After their visits to Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons, they are heading to Park City. I love all of these places - every season of the year! Park City and Deer Valley are of course known for spectacular skiing (and quite a scene), but they are also perfect places for an active summer family vacation.

After you've worked up an appetite, one of my favorite restaurants to recommend for dinner is Riverhorse on Main. The food is eclectic American, the vibe is trendy, mountain casual cool, they have live music and it's in an historic building right in the center of Main Street.

Chef Seth, one of the owners, serves both simple and delicious plates like jumbo lump crab, Alaskan halibut and a Cowboy ribeye as well as ahi tuna on a rice crisp with avocado wasabi aioli and ginger soy essence and scallops coated in a chili tortilla crust with avocado mousse.

For the more adventurous try buffalo bites or the trio of wild game - North American buffalo, venison and elk.

If you are a vegetarian, you also have tasty options like tempura cauliflower in Thai peanut sauce and yellow curry.

They recently were awarded the 2023 4-star travel award from Forbes (I think this makes 18 years of it). If you have a fancy bottle of your own wine, you are welcome to bring it (there is a corkage fee).

📷 Riverhorse

In addition to great restaurants, Park City has some good shopping and accommodations. Consider a stop at Burns Cowboy Shop (open since 1876! The oldest family owned Western shop in America), where you can sit comfortably in a big leather saddle and be fitted for a custom cowboy hat, complete with your initials branded into the brim. You'll be in good company, as they've created the hats for the actors in Yellowstone.

📷 Burns 1876

Depending upon the time of year you are here and who is joining you, I'd suggest different accommodation options. A few favorites to consider... Montage Deer Valley, Stein Eriksen Lodge, Goldener Hirsch or outside of town the Lodge at Blue Sky. Of course all with VIP perks and treatment when booked with Truvay Travel.

📷 Riverhorse

🌟In February, Ambiente Sedona opened in Arizona. Located in the Coconino National Forest, this unique hotel has endless views that immerse guests in the desert landscape.

Why visit Ambiente Sedona?

Sometimes you want an adults-only getaway and that is exactly what you will find here.
Their rooms are stand alone glass atriums with stunning views of the Red Rock formations.
Each atrium has panoramic glass walls, king size beds, dual soaking tubs, in-room beer and wine dispensers and local snacks. All have rooftop decks with firepits and daybeds for stargazing.
It is so easy to stay active while here! There are hiking and biking trails on the property - some lead to other popular Sedona trails. Or go horseback riding, wine tasting or take a jeep tour.
After exploring the Sedona outdoors, relax at the spa, Velvet, with a massage or body treatment. Add on the Dark Sky Lounge for 30 minutes of sound and vibration therapy described as “Surrounded by the celestial night sky, prepare to experience our interactive sound lounge, an exceptional therapy to accelerate muscle recovery in a very restful way.”
Chef Lindsey Dale uses natural organic ingredients from the local Verde Valley at Forty1. The seasonal menu rotates with favorites like Pear & Radish Carpaccio and Icelandic Salmon.

Of course it comes with usual perks and VIP treatment when booking your stay through Truvay Travel.