These are two of my favorite destinations with an abundance of nature-based treasures:
Iceland where I had spent a month visiting venues in the four cardinal directions: Akureyri in the North, Westman Islands in the South, Egilsstadir in the East and Isafjordur in the West.
The Azores where I visited eight of the nine islands in this archipelago: Sao Miguel, Pico, Flores, Faial, Sao Jorge, Tercera, Graciosa, Santa Maria.
In Scotland, the luxe, five-star Cameron House has something for everyone, whether you’re a thrill seeker who gravitates to four-wheeling or someone who prefers something much more staid like upright paddleboarding. The expansive property within a national park fronts the stunningly scenic Loch Lomond. With myriad trails, paths and petite gardens both on property and a relatively short car ride away, the Cameron House actively embraces a sustainability ethic. This is my latest article for ForbesLife.
At the luxe Cayo Levantado Resort, strolling to the private beach at sunrise is a must-do experience.
The private beach is an idyllic location for sunning, swimming and snacking.
This private beach at Cayo Levantado Resort is a serene spot for sipping a chilled glass of verdejo.
Guests who wake up early are treated to this sunrise view from their private terrace.
The abundant lush foliage, creative wellness classes and chill vibe make it easy to truly get into a Zen state at the luxe Cayo Levantado Resort in the Dominican Republic. This is the area where the offerings include the most awesome Sound Healing.
Picturesque Lake Memphremagog in downtown Magog is bordered by a lovely more-than-a-mile ice skating path.
In my travels, I’m often attracted to colors and shapes. This is inside the contemporary interpretive center at the Marais de la Rivière-aux-Cerises, a stellar protected ecosystem in Quebec’s Eastern Townships that provides visitors with insights into the life of this expansive wetland.
New York City’s Roosevelt Island is a gem, with bucolic landscaping and scenic waterfront views. It’s a great place to stroll, jog or picnic. Accessible by a four-minute tram from Manhattan’s Midtown East, Roosevelt Island isn’t on most anyone’s list — many native New Yorkers have never visited — but it should be. These are some images from the holiday season.
Every season is delightful in Spring Lake, though I’m especially fond of the off season. This is one of two footbridges that date to the late 1800s.
Divine Park, the home of Spring Lake, is wonderfully forested with white oaks, sugar maples and many other trees that take on a dramatic hue come fall.
Portmeirion Village (the quirky village in Wales where The Prisoner was shot) is captivating even in inclement weather.
Though I didn’t visit the 180-foot-long Laburnum Arch at the height of the season (late May-earlyJune), it’s still lovely to behold. This is one of the most visited venues at the expansive Bodnant Gardens in Wales.
What an atmospheric setting for a tea room in Wales. At Tu Hwnt I’r Bont, I enjoyed scones with butter and jam in the leafy gardens beside the Conwy River. Most of the edifice is blanketed with Virginia creeper which, I’m told, turns a delightful shade of crimson in the fall.
The landscape of Wales is a delightful patchwork of verdancy in all its vivid green hues.
I’m enamored with Newport, a lovely town in Southwest Wales with a sandy beach, a castle, several coffee shops and art and craft emporia, and much more.
In the town of Llangollen, Wales, the lush grounds and oak-paneled interior of this mansion, Plas Newydd, are worth an extended visit. This is where the Ladies of Llangollen - as portrayed in the BBC series Gentleman Jack - lived.
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 the North Lake area, I found the clouds to be mesmerizing.
There were no bad views when I bicycled from the East Point Lighthouse to Souris Beach.
It’s worth spending several days in the charming capital city of Charlottetown that’s peppered with vibrant public art.
Bicycling around Prince Edward Island is an idyllic experience, full of picturesque views and great seafood. (I fell in love with the abundance of boldly-hued lupines lining the roads.)
Along the north shore, I discovered scenic North Lake, known as the World’s Tuna Capital, with its pristine oceanfront beaches and some blustery headwinds.
Torshavn, the tiny waterfront capital city of the Faroe Islands, couldn’t be more atmospheric. No matter the weather, it always looks good and offers a warm welcome to this archipelago of 18 islands.
Bicycling the Toronto Islands (with Toronto Bicycle Tours) in the off-season couldn’t be more idyllic. This scenic chain is a short ferry ride from downtown and is car-free.
Among the many discoveries I made: 19th century St. Andrew’s Anglican Church. The stained glass, visible also from the exterior, is quite impressive. Interestingly, it was moved to this current scenic location without anything breaking!
Spring Lake, New Jersey is a mere two hours by train from New York City. Yet, no matter how many times I visit in the off-season and no matter the weather, I always notice something new in the nature-scape that calms the soul.
The Chateau Inn and Suites in Spring Lake, New Jersey is perfectly located across the street from the lake where you can jog the loop around the periphery.
During my visit, I was struck by the delightful array of lights radiating from around the facade during the holidays.
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