Snuggled in the East River and just a short tram ride from Manhattan’s Midtown East, Roosevelt Island is a great place to soak up the bucolic landscape and contemporary architecture. (The 59th Street Bridge that hovers above the island is quite photogenic when a thick blanket of fog settles in.) Winter on the island is especially evocative when the undulating lawns of the Cornell Tech campus are covered in snow. These are a few winter images.
The Matachica Resort in Belize is a luxe resort that’s calm, vibrant and unpretentious. There are plenty of places to lounge, indoors and outside, including under an umbrella along the pier.
A colossal sculpture of a flip-flop. How appropriate at the Margaritaville Beach Resort in Belize.
Even in the rainy season, the private catamaran boat shuttle from San Pedro to this resort is a scenic, relaxing journey.
Wales is surprising in every way — all of it great because, among many things, the natural landscapes couldn’t be more abundant.
Southwest Wales is peppered with picturesque coves.
In Wales, the town of Cardigan is a wonderful mix of old and contemporary, including a window-walled coffee shop in the 12th century castle, a former riverfront warehouse turned into the atmospheric Albion Hotel, and a wood-fired pizza restaurant along the River Teifi.
The riverfront Albion Hotel has a delightful melding of the contemporary and the old, whether in the decor of the guest rooms, the bar, restaurant or other public spaces.
Some people come from far afield just to take a photo of what’s referred to as the “lone tree” in Eryi National Park (Snowdonia) in Wales. I watched one photographer set up for what looked like an extended visit to document the changing light on this silver birch as well as the rugged peaks in the distance.
Aside from nature-based wonders, Wales presents so many other wonderful surprises, including the array of boldly-hued facades.
On Saint Eustatius, I found many reminders of times gone by, including the ruins of this 18th century Dutch Reformed church, located in the Upper Town of Orangetown, the capitol. Also nearby is a dirt path leading to the ruins of a centuries-old synagogue.
I couldn’t resist lounging beside the asymmetric pool at the new Golden Rock Resort on St. Eustatius (Statia), a tiny Caribbean island that’s a short flight from St. Maarten.
At this resort, Breeze, an aptly named restaurant, has plenty to see inside with its stellar interiors, and outside with the abundant floral landscaping and ocean views beyond.
Walking along the Black Marsh Trail in western Prince Edward Island couldn’t be more idyllic. You’ll see dramatic cliffs, curious botanicals, numerous bird species and this signature rock that’s red, like much of the land on PEI, because of iron oxide.
Whether in the forests with their dense canopy or the red rock cliff tops with stunted foliage and towering wind turbines, I ambled this trail, feeling like I was wandering through a wonderful dreamscape with butterflies fluttering about, delicate orchids growing near my feet, the azure sea crashing far below, and the occasional eagle soaring overhead.
The clouds swell and the sea churns as a prelude to the arrival of Hurricane Fiona in Prince Edward Island. Here, I notice the rustling of the tall grasses, and the humming of a wind turbine that rises in the distance.
On Prince Edward Island, sunrises can be quite dramatic, as seen here behind the 19th century Tignish Church.
The deep water harbor of Miminegash appears relatively calm.
At the Thorseng Nature Resort on Tasinge Island in Denmark, I arrived weary and departed refreshed, thanks to a comfy and spacious glamping tent, organic wines, creative vegetarian fare and, most importantly, a warm and welcoming vibe. I never tired of watching sunsets like this one from the beach that’s a short walk through a wildflower laden meadow.
On Langeland Island, this was one of several pieces of contemporary art I discovered at Hotel Rudkobing Skudeneshavn. It’s conveniently located near the ferries that course to the lovely islands of Aero and Stryno.
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