Holiday Hideaways Off the Beaten Path
Schloss Elmau
Krün, Germany
If you dream of a luxury resort at the foot of the Wetterstein Mountains, in the middle of a nature reserve, yet not far from incredible skiing, but doubt that such a place even exists, we have good news for you. Schloss Elmau is the dream destination, located not far from Garmisch-Partenkirchen, and only an hour from Munich.
One could never run out of things to do. The Resort fee includes guided hikes, yoga and tai chi classes, meals at a choice of gourmet restaurants, concerts, and literary events. There are two concert halls and five Steinway grands (including a practice room reserved for guests) to keep adults entertained, and a seemingly endless choice of activities for children, including workshops ranging from creative writing, poetry, classical music, painting, dance, philosophy, and science, in addition to adventure and sports programs.
Vila Bled
Lake Bled, Slovenia
Marshal Josip Broz Tito, the Yugoslav revolutionary and benevolent dictator died in 1980, but you can sleep where he once slept, and dine where he once dined. The Vila Bled is a time capsule for the 1950s that showcases the sumptuous and opulent luxury of a mid-20th century dictator.
The menu is mostly typical Central European, but with a far wider selection than one would find in smaller cities, and includes duckling, pheasant, and fresh fish from both nearby lakes and the Adriatic Sea. Not your taste? Fear not, an assortment of game and other meat dishes is available. – Yale Braunstein
Wentworth Mansion
Charleston, South Carolina
Entering the Wentworth Mansion immediately transports the visitor back to 1886, the year it was built as a private residence, in case the gas lighting you noticed as you entered didn’t tip you off already. The grand staircase beckons and leads you to the comforts of fireplaces, luxurious bathrooms, and true southern hospitality, the way it is meant to be.
Each evening, guests are invited to a reception with hors d’oeuvres and wine, before dinner is served at Circa 1886, the in-house restaurant located in the restored former carriage house. Chef Marc Collins prepares dishes that combine lowcountry and world cuisines into the healthy and unique menu that draws locals and visitors alike, at what is known locally as just “Circa.” After dinner, venture to the cupola atop the mansion, and take in the 360º view of Charleston Harbor and the islands that make up the modern-day city. – Dan Collins
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