If you want to combine quality gourmet cuisine with wonderful ranch vistas then a Ranch Rider break to Triple Creek resort ranch could be for you. Based in Montana - the resort offers excellent food, travel and stunning cabin accommodation.
The Triple Creek restaurant serves up a variety of food with various influences including French, Central American and other international flavours.
Signature dishes from executive chef Jacob Leatherman include Grilled Oregon Rabbit Loin with Marsala Jus and Pan Roasted Beef Tenderloin with Morel Mushroom Ragout.
According to Ranch Rider:
“Triple Creek’s state-of-the-art wine cellar houses more than 3,000 bottles representing 200 international wineries, from mature Bordeaux to classic vintages; and a recipient of the Wine Spectator 2005 and 2006 Award of Excellence, the cellar itself is every wine connoisseur’s dream.”
A 7 night stay including the Gourmet Getaway package with Ranch Rider costs from £2,399pp.
This price is based on two people sharing and includes accommodation, meals, all ranch based riding, tax, transfers and gratuities. Excludes international flight.
One of the best hotels in New Zealand is the amazing Huka Lodge.
Previously utilised as a 1920’s fishing lodge the Huka enjoys spacious accommodation which includes 20 bedrooms with under floor heating, beautiful slatted terraces and sunken baths.
The food utilises the very best of local produce and is served in a candlelit dining room or even on the terrace.
Given New Zealand’s volcanic heritage it would be remiss if you didn’t take advantage of the local natural hot springs. You can also busy yourself with the swimming pool, tennis courts, hunting, fishing, golf and rafting.
Probably one of the real highlights of this location is the North Island’s rugged landscapes and world class rainbow trout fishing. Also check out Lake Taupo - where you can take a skydive.
The Huka Lodge sells double bedrooms for £595 ( US $1200).
Whilst the myth of untouched Thai beaches persists - the reality is a little more prosaic. i.e you still get pretty beautiful remote and beautiful beaches (that’s a whole lot different from untouched).
Nonetheless, Koh Hipe comes pretty close to the perfect Thai coastal paradise of old. Turquoise waters surround this stunning island which is located in the Andaman Sea near the Malaysian border. Lipe Castaway which opened in November 2007 offers amazing views over the surrounding waters and includes:
• 10 traditional bungalows.
• Spa.
• Dive centre.
• Restaurant.
A nice touch is the environmentally friendly ethos i.e use of sustainable forests, natural ventilation, water heated by solar energy, and a sort of sea gypsy community (this involves the local sea community in the running of Lipe Castaway.)
The experience of Castaway offers privacy, snorkelling and diving in the surrounding Tarutao National Marine Park. If you really want to get away from it all you can try your luck on a supposedly uninhabited beach (personal cook, guide and canvas tent are included !!)
This stunning structure which was Lord Kitcheners former home, sits in the foothills of the Himalayas and was converted into the beautiful 85 room Oberoi Hotel in 2001. The Hotel is set within 23 acres of scented cedar and pine forest.
Accommodation includes
• Two excellent restaurants - one with an open air terrace.
• Oberoi Spa which includes heated pool and outdoor jacuzzi.
Activities include biking, rafting, horse riding, and yoga.
The unique selling point of this location is the 8,350 ft views over the Himalayas. It doesn’t get much better than that…
Double room sells for around £240 ($580) per night.
If you’re staying in Tasmania and you want a touch of luxury - there is only one hotel that fits the bill. It’s called the Bay of Fires Lodge and is styled as a glass and timber eco lodge. The lodge is situated on the edge of Mount William National Park and is used in conjunction with Forester Beach Camp trips that last 4 days.
The lodge comprises 10 rooms which are in a contemporary minimalist style. Solar power provides the lighting and fresh local produce is served next to an open fire in the main lodge.
The highlight of this particular hotel is the amazing views and location. This is helped by the Bay of Fires Lodge being situated on a ridge that is 40 metres above sea level and is the only building on a 20km stretch of coast line.
Four day treks sell for £810 ( US $1600) per person.
