Flathead Lake Lodge is a dude ranch owned by a family. It is on the shores of the lake with the same name. Guests can try out both old and new hobbies every day, like horseback riding on pine-scented trails, sailing on crystal-clear lakes, and doing yoga on top of a hill. It’s like going back to nature, but you don’t have to rough it. There are delicious meals, fine wines, and nice cabins.
When people were most worried about travelling, they thought that being alone in a car was safer, so they took more road trips. A lot of attention has been paid to nostalgic roadside motels, and people continue to stay there.
Bluebird by Lark is a group of recently opened roadside lodges meant to make the “Great American Road Trip” easier. They’ve cleaned up properties that were already there and kept the prices low enough for people who want to save money. At the Bluebird Sunapee in Newbury, New Hampshire, beds have custom-upholstered headboards and Pendleton blankets to make them look nice. A variety of records, a game room, and an indoor saltwater pool make public spaces more interesting.
Once upon a time, tourists were drawn to hotels in busy downtown areas. But as more people work from home, neighbourhoods that used to be empty during the day have become more lively.
When you stay in a hotel in a residential part of town, you can really get a feel for how people live there. Just outside of downtown Denver, Cherry Creek North is a mixed-use, walkable, and bike-friendly area with the most locally owned shops, art galleries, and restaurants. Book a room at the Clayton Hotel to get a real taste of the Rocky Mountain way of life. The hotel’s decor is based on Denver, and there is a members club on-site.
When museums closed, hundreds of outdoor sculpture parks kept giving people the chance to see art outside, which was a great way to practise social distancing.
At the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden at Walker Art Center, art is not limited by the four walls of a normal museum. “Spoonbridge and Cherry” by Claes Oldenburg is the creative centrepiece of the garden. This huge spoon with a cherry on it has strange proportions and a sense of humour. There is no charge.
Because of the pandemic, we went outside whenever we could. Hotels all over the world now have rooftop lounges. In the 16th arrondissement of Paris, the rooftop of the high-end Brach hotel has a hot tub in the Scandinavian style and a stunning view of the Eiffel Tower. Aromatic herbs grow in the garden, and basil and mint that have just been cut add a kick to drinks and snacks. A group of three happy hens add to the country-chic look.
Early on in the pandemic, restaurants moved to outdoor seating. What started out as a need has grown into a small number of companies that offer luxury picnics. It’s not easy to plan the perfect picnic. You have to choose foods that go well together and stay fresh, and you have to make floral centrepieces that are strong and pretty.
Hotels from all over the country are joining in. At The Chanler at Cliff Walk in Newport, Rhode Island, guests can order a picnic to be served on a lawn with a view of the ocean. You will eat artisanal sandwiches and delicious desserts while sitting on soft pillows.
Long-term vacation rentals are becoming more popular because there are more people with flexible jobs. High-speed internet makes it possible for remote and hybrid workers to do their jobs from anywhere. Listings on sites like Airbnb offer privacy, space, and home-like comforts.
One of the best places to stay for a long time in California is Palm Springs, a desert oasis. It’s on the map for people who like to look at the stars, who like mid-century modern architecture, and who are LGBTQ+. Digital nomads are drawn to great places to rent like bees to honey.
Those who flew during the pandemic were more likely to spend a lot of money on seats in first-class cabins so they could keep their distance from other passengers. Extras like amenity kits and better meals were great additions to seats with more room.
Upgrades still cost money for airline passengers. La Compagnie is a French airline that flies from the U.S. to Paris, Nice, and Milan. Each of their planes has only 76 fully flat seats, Wi-Fi, Champagne, a channel for meditation, and gourmet meals.
Ticket prices are about 50% less than business fares on major airlines, making luxury travel more affordable.
