Meadowood

A mere hour from Dublin, this lavish, lovingly-restored, Regency mansion has a pretty insane land-to-guest ratio. While there are only twenty bedrooms (beautifully appointed with four-poster beds, antique furniture, and open fireplaces), they sit on a lush, 600-acre estate replete with rolling fields, lakes, and plenty of Irish wildlife. This will matter to you if you ever opt to leave the house, which is inarguably epic—it boasts an incredible art collection, a well-stocked library, and billiards room, along with one of Ireland’s best organic farm-to-table restaurants with much of the food grown on the estate itself (guests are encouraged to collect their own breakfast eggs). Booze enthusiasts can avail of wine and rare Irish whiskey tastings (also known as “uisce beatha” or the water of life in Gaelic) hosted by the in-house sommelier in the cozy Cellar Bar. Should you want to stretch your legs, there are acres of immaculate gardens, rolling fields, lake fishing, clay pigeon shooting, tennis, archery, falconry, and easy access to golf, not to mention an indoor pool and spa (try the healing Irish seaweed bath, a centuries-old traditional skin remedy). The nearby Slieve Bloom mountains are covered in trails and slopes ideal for hiking, biking, or just soaking up the region's natural beauty.

Come to Atrio Restaurante Hotel (a collaborative effort between Chefs Juan Antonio Pérez and José Polo and architects Emilio Tuñón Álvarez and Luis Moreno Mansilla) for the world-famous dining, and stay for the serene aesthetics. Located in the history-rich town of Cáceres, this castle-turned-hotel is a study in pristine, minimalist luxury. Situated in a stone building that dates all the way back to medieval times, the fourteen guest rooms are sleek yet comfy and most have two-person tubs and enchanting city views. While the two-Michelin-starred restaurant is known for serving some of the most indulgent dinners in all of Spain (to be enjoyed in a stark-white space decked out with original art by the likes of Andy Warhol), the daily breakfasts are not to be missed. For oenophiles, the property’s wine seller—stocked with an impressive assortment of Champagnes and vintages from wineries big and small—is a destination all in itself.

Mother Nature blessed this idyllic little corner of Catalonia with rugged mountain ranges, lush greenery, and plenty of open space for all manner of outdoor activities (bird watching, tennis, hiking, dips in the massive open-air pool). But more than anything, it’s the on-site restaurant—specializing in traditional Catalan cuisine—that has travelers booking return stays upon checkout at this family-owned hotel. (The land has been in the Pallares family since 1763). Though not particularly memorable, the guest rooms are spacious and come with all the modern amenities needed for a comfortable stay. But the truth is, with so much to explore you won’t be spending much awake time indoors.

Melia Bilbao takes up prime real estate in the center of Bilbao, walking distance from the Guggenheim Museum and the breathtaking Doña Casilda park. Its jewel tone-dipped guest rooms are furnished with modern elements and make for the ideal five-star home base from which to explore all that Basque Country has to offer. But even more impressive than the the hotel’s sculptural interiors is its in-house restaurant, Aizian. Chef José Miguel Olazabalaga’s traditional Basque menu has earned him high praise from foodies and a Michelin star. For those seeking a more chill atmosphere, head to Q lounge for tapas and cocktails.

This subtly futuristic hotel and restaurant in Laguiole (yes, the birthplace of the knives) is the home of Michel Bras, and accordingly, it draws legions of foodies every year (it's had three, unwavering Michelin stars since 1999). It's tucked away in a tiny corner of France—in a town with a population that hovers at about 1,000—far away from pretty much everything else. In fact, it's a 10 hour trip from Paris, which is why there's a hotel on-site. Bras is celebrated for sublime, and beautifully complex cooking: One salad for which he's famed has 50 ingredients (though miniscule amounts of each).

This futuristic hotel—designed in 2006 by Frank Gehry—is a rainbow undulation on a Spanish hillside in Basque Country. Inside, it's just as wonderfully theatrical, whether it's the slick rooms (tilted walls, tons of glass and steel, bursts of bright red), or the culinary fireworks. As you look through the cathedral windows at the Rioja vineyards outside, you'll be feasting on red wine caviar and red shrimp carpaccio at the Michelin starred main dining room, presided over by chef Francis Paniego. While it's really about eating and drinking here, there's also a Caudalie spa.

Located in the French Alps, Megeve has all of 4,000 permanent residents though it's booming in the winter (it came into its own in the early 1900s, when the Rothschilds started coming and everyone else followed). It's also home to this culinary hot spot, which has earned three Michelin stars—it justifies the trip, whether you're strapping on skis or not. Helmed by Emmanuel Renaut (The Crillon, Claridges), who earned his first Michelin star in his early '30s, the food here is as gorgeous as it is delicious. The Relais & Chateux accommodations are both modern and modest—besides a handful of suites, there are some small houses for rent, too.

The first reason to pop the bubbly? One hour from Paris, and you're in Champagne, literally. This stately, turn-of-the-20th-century chateau in Reims, France is situated in the namesake region of the good stuff. The second? The timelessly elegant, double-Michelin-starred Brasserie le Jardin has over 600 labels to choose from. Do not pass up the cheese cart.

Situated in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Val D’Orcia, this centuries-old estate south of Siena is truly incredible: Beyond the fact that you walk amidst remnants of walls from the 1100s, it’s surrounded by Brunello di Montalcino vineyards, there’s a world-class golf course, on-site truffle hunting, and the food is unbelievable. There’s a fancy restaurant, but there’s also a casual pizzeria—and kitchens in the villas where you can feast on bread and incomparably sweet tomatoes. While it's plenty romantic, they have a lot of activities (including cooking classes) for kids.

Spread across 400 bright green, undulating acres of farmland, this country house in rural East Cork looks straight out of central casting. Owned and run by the Allens–the reigning first family of the Irish food scene—Ballymaloe House itself is matriarch Myrtle Allen's former family-residence-turned-hotel. Staying here feels like coming home, the accommodations are supremely comfortable with Irish linen sheets, vintage wallpaper, and fresh vases of wildflowers delivered daily. The on-site restaurant features a menu inspired by the nearby world-renowned Ballymaloe Cookery School, and showcases the best of Irish produce, most of it sourced within a few miles of the house itself. The full Irish breakfast, including warm scones fresh from the oven and traditional delicacies like black pudding and kippers, washed down with several cups of strong tea, is a quintessential Irish experience not to be missed. We recommend booking in during the annual summer Litfest, a week-long food and drinks literary festival with industry speakers that have included Madhur Jaffrey, Alice Waters, and Francis Mallmann among others. Cooking enthusiasts will relish booking into the cookery school for workshops on everything from bread-baking to Asian cuisine, with all the ingredients foraged by the students themselves from the immaculate walled gardens and fields that surround the school and house.

With roots that date all the way back to the 13th century, this country manor-turned-luxury hotel is a prime candidate for weekends away from London. It's just 20 minutes from the coast and steps from the rural beauty of the New Forest, which, in addition to providing guests with eye candy and roaming space, supplies the hotel’s eateries with freshly foraged fare. With chefs Luke Holder and Angela Hartnett at the helm, Hartnett Holder & Co serves up traditional English dishes letting locally-sourced ingredients shine while the health-focused Raw & Cured—as the name suggests, most of the menu is raw or cured. Spanning three floors and overlooking the ground, the spa, Herb House, is hailed as one of the best in the country. It offers a slew of stress-melting treatmentsa and a caldarium. What’s a caldarium? A piping-hot plunge pool inspired by ancient Roman baths.

Having recently undergone extensive renovation, this 1840s neo-Gothic hideaway—just thirty minutes from Shannon airport—sits on 842 acres of manicured gardens, lush rolling fields, and medieval ruins; it's reason alone to travel to Ireland's verdant southwest (although the dozens of nearby historical sites, lively pubs, and quaint villages don't hurt, either). Each individually designed room is palatial in size, decked out with authentic mahogany Georgian-era furniture, sumptuous fabrics, nineteenth-century artwork, and a roaring open fireplace to ward off the inevitable Irish chill. The generously sized marble bathrooms are finished in vintage wallpaper and include deep stand-alone tubs, many of which overlook the grounds. As far as dining goes, there are two solid options on the property, but the Oak Room is hard to beat. The elegantly appointed Drawing Room is the perfect spot for morning coffee or a pre-dinner aperitif by the fire, while the subterranean David Collins–designed, vault-ceilinged Tack Room is the spot for wine and whiskey connoisseurs (Guinness lovers, too) to retreat for a few drinks. Activity-wise, choose from golfing, fishing, archery, and horseback riding, alongside dozens of country hikes and cycle trails. The spa (stocked with 111SKIN) is a tranquil space to indulge and unwind after a long day, accompanied by the comforting scent of autumnal fig that pervades the entire property.

If you're into more of a vacation enclave with a farm-to-table bent then head to Baja California to check into one of the ten charming Culinary Cottages at Flora Farms: a twenty-five-acre organic working farm in the foothills of Sierra de la Laguna Mountains in San Jose del Cabo. Renters and owners can submerge themselves in harvesting the heirloom vegetables–and cooking meals in the fully equipped cottages. Although access to the private beach club, family pond, pool, and spas is exclusive to owners and renters, The Field Kitchen (where the ingredients are often picks minutes before they are served), Farm Bar, and Flora Grocery (which sells sustainably raised meats, handmade breads, and organic vegetables), are open to all, expanding its culinary experience beyond the cottages.

This far-reaching property offers all the trappings one might expect from a Ritz-Carlton resort, plus access to the azure waters and white sands of not one, but two coasts—the North Sound on one side and Seven Mile Beach on the other. While the kids soak it up at the on-site water park or participate in one of many eco-adventure activities (supervised, of course), adults can improve their backswing at the Greg Norman-designed golf course or book a treatment at the La Prairie Spa. There are five restaurants on the property (ranging from casual to swanky), but only one is run by Chef Eric Ripert. The seafood-centric Blue by Eric Ripert has a particularly well-curated tasting menu and is considered by many to be the best dining experience in the Caribbean.

Laurance S. Rockefeller’s dream to create a resort and natural sanctuary in Puerto Rico became a reality in 1958, when he opened his resort at Dorado Beach. Environmental conservation remains a priority at this 1,400-acre property, and outdoor activities range from an eleven-mile hiking trail to two golf courses with views of the surrounding mountains and sea. Rooms come with floor-to-ceiling glass sliding doors, deep soaking tubs, and outdoor showers, and some have private plunge pools or rooftop terraces. The spa has steam pavilions, warm and cool pools, and a tree house for massages.

With close to 300 guest rooms (the ocean-view suites are well worth the splurge), five restaurants, and one massive mall, Grand Park Otaru is essentially a playground for adults. There’s a great breakfast buffet and fresh-baked pastries for days, but it’s the just-caught seafood offerings you’ll find on neighboring Sushi Street, that deserve the bulk of your attention. And while the accommodations are as five-star as it gets (deep soaking tubs, in-room tea-making stations), the hotel blends into Otaru’s port town quaintness pretty seamlessly. Plus, it's situated 30 minutes from Sapporo and within walking distance to the Otaru Chikko railway station, making it the ideal home base from which to explore Hokkaido.

Dubai’s Ritz-Carlton has a lot to offer, even beyond what you’d expect (excellent service, abundant amenities, generally luxurious furnishings, etc.). For starters, the location is hard to beat: it’s situated in JBR—super close to the water—which means that addition to being beautiful, it’s in a very walkable part of Dubai (slightly removed but close to the center of beach activity) that’s brimming with energy. Their restaurant, Blue Jade, is a next-level sushi restaurant that is a draw independent of the hotel. Plus, the Ritz-Carlton is one of several great places to try a lavish Dubai afternoon tea situation—their bar, Lobby Lounge, serves tea daily from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., which means you can opt into a full experience that includes decadent bites ranging from éclairs to smoked salmon rillettes (and whiskey flights, if that’s more your thing).

Tucked in the quaint town of Hoi An (just three hours from Singapore and two from Hong Kong), The Nam Hai Hotel has been a favorite of Asian travelers for years—and its transition to a Four Seasons property has given Americans reason to take fresh notice. Located on the tranquil coastline (something of a rarity in this area), each villa has its own expansive ocean view. There are two world class restaurants on site, though you may like to try the local cuisine and explore the historic fishing village. If you’re feeling luxurious, head to the Heart of the Earth Spa for a body scrub and any massage that involves a tuning fork. There are plenty of water sports and children's play space to keep kiddos occupied. The recent addition of a cooking school is a must, where you’ll harvest herbs from their organic garden and learn to make traditional Vietnamese dishes.

This classic hotel hails from a hospitality family we've loved forever—and its Shanghai outpost offers all the amenities you've come to expect—solid service, clean design, an over-the-top ESPA spa, complimentary Rolls Royce or BMW airport transfers—plus, drop-dead views of the Pudong skyline. It's the first building to be constructed on the historic bund in Shanghai in the last seventy years, a fact that makes it an attraction in its own right. Each of the 235 rooms feature a tranquil neutral-and-blue color scheme, lacquer cabinetry, leather headboard, and, best yet, a walk-in dressing room. For hungry guests, the restaurants Sir Elly's and Yi Long Court are both Michelin-star gems.

Set up on a hill above an endless—and undulating—vista of vineyards, Auberge du Soleil has been maintaining the luxury standard in Napa for thirty years. Though it's since spawned two sister hotels (Solage and Calistoga Ranch), Auberge du Soleil is the reigning patriarch in Napa Valley, particularly when it comes to old-school indulgences and creature comforts (the other two spots are a bit more modern and laid-back). Here, the cottage-like rooms are organized into private little villages (they all feature patios and terraces). With two Michelin stars, Auberge's main, global-inflected restaurant draws a crowd that swells well beyond hotel guests—the Japanese breakfast is particularly dreamy. Don’t miss the spa: While hotel treatments often aren’t that great (particularly for their generally inflated price tags), this was one of the best massages we’ve ever had, particularly because it was followed by a soak in the outdoor bathtub. Meanwhile, Quintessa Winery, one of our favorites, is just across the street.

Buttermilk biscuits with a view. Equal parts luxury hotel, world-class kitchen, and working farm, this 4,200 acre foodie resort in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains is a slice of heaven for those hungry for rest, relaxation, good music, and, of course, incredible Southern cooking. Check their calendar before booking for events that may be of interest like truffle hunts, photography workshops, wellness weekends, and featured celeb chefs like Joanne Weir and Daniel Boulud.

Set within 300 acres of lush green meadows and rolling countryside, Dos Brisas is a Spanish-style ranch offering up a little bit of rural Texas (with plenty of foodie and outdoor activities)—that said, it has all the amenities you’d expect in the city. After trying your hand at cheese making courses, wine tastings, and cooking classes, take a breather at one of the nine Spanish-style Haciendas or Casitas. The on-site restaurant sources organic and seasonal ingredients from Dos Brisas' very own farmland and orchards. It also happens to be the only Forbes five-star in the entire state of Texas.

This sweet, 25-room hacienda-style hotel in Albuquerque offers unfussy elegance among kitchen gardens and dreamy lavender fields (which supply their in-house line of bath and beauty products). Their homey, Rio Grande Valley cuisine is inspired seasonally and sourced locally—so much so that they call their menu field-to-fork. Clean, classic, and comfy rooms make it hard to get out of bed, but one big plate of pork carnitas with fresh tortillas may be all the motivation you need.

Consider this gourmet getaway as American as apple pie, so long as that apple pie pairs nicely with one of the 14,000 bottles of wine in the restaurant's massive cellar. Spend the days exploring Rappahannock County and the Town of Washington, which dates back to 1769, and the nights knocking back Barcat Oyster Slurpees and truffle-stuffed pheasant before retiring to rooms decked out with proper English Country Manor vibes.

Hovering somewhere between a bed and breakfast and organic co-op farm, LA-transplant Calvin Zara’s refurbished four-bedroom Thacher house and its four private cabins is where you want to be for a fully-immersive, get away from it all experience (it accommodates no more than 20 guests at a time). If you stay here, be prepared to share the lush grounds with chickens and a family of goats, in addition to citrus and pomegranate trees and a garden. Needless to say, all the food served at the beautifully appointed dining room is sourced locally or from the Thacher House farm itself. Also on offer: classes in cooking, baking, olive-oil pressing, wine-making, and so much more.

After working in some of the world’s most popular restaurants and assisting a well-known chef in NYC, Annemarie Ahearn decided to pack-up, move to the New England countryside, and lend her skills as a culinary teacher. What she ended up creating is a cooking empire of sorts, with a school, café, and a new cookbook, Full Moon Suppers at Salt Water Farm: Recipes from Land and Sea. At her farm on the Maine coast, she takes a hands-on approach to instill resourcefulness in the kitchen, teaching you techniques to cook instinctually with what’s seasonally available. From pasta-making to pickling to bread backing, she teaches one-off courses or week-long workshops, all of which take place in an idyllic barn. A note: While there are no on-site accommodations, the surrounding towns offer an ample selection of B&Bs and hotels.

A stone’s throw from Vancouver, Salt Island is something of a creative enclave for the culinarily inclined. Think impossibly picturesque, rugged setting where you’ll find vintners, cheese makers, and other creative types in residence year-around. It’s just that spirit that inspired Michael Abelman and Jeanne-Marie Herman to open Foxglove Farm, a 121-acre organic farm which holds cooking and gardening classes, plus mushroom-foraging and cheese-making courses. Its location, 1,200 feet above sea level, means they regularly grow everything from peaches, plus, quince, figs, cherries, plus a nourishing mix of veggies and legumes. (As a result their veggies have graced the table at the likes of Chez Panisse and Zuni Cafe, too.)

Adults-only Alila Napa Valley took over the old Las Alcobas property in 2021, and it’s one of the nicest places to stay in wine country. The rooms are contemporary, as is the massive barn spa, but it all feels balanced by the old Victorian manor on the property, which houses the restaurant Violetto. Be sure to book a room overlooking the vineyards (they belong to Beringer Estate).

Just a short walk from downtown Yountville and its bevy of great restaurants, Bardessono definitely boasts one of the best locations in the valley. With sleek, streamlined décor, excellent tech in room, and the almost impossible-to-accomplish LEED platinum rating, the vibe here is decidedly modern without sacrificing luxury. The grounds are incredibly lush, with the addition of a few well-placed water features, giving you the sense of an outdoor experience despite the relatively compact property.

Formerly the Carneros Inn, the 28-acre resort has farmhouse-style charm with contemporary amenities. Like many Napa hotels, rooms here are situated in individual cottages, each outfitted with rocking chairs and an outdoor shower and fire pit. The adults-only pool overlooking the neighboring vineyard is totally idyllic.

Although it's 80 rooms strong (and has the spa, restaurants, and pool to accommodate that many guests), Hotel Yountville feels like a small, quaint, boutique hotel. The cozy, updated interiors match the grand stone building that houses them. Definitely ask for a room with a fireplace.

On the north end of Napa Valley, Indian Springs features 115 rooms across its 17-acre property. Accommodations run the gamut from charming cottages and bungalows to larger residences (two-and three- bedrooms, respectively), each with their own outdoor space for entertaining a group. The draw here is really the pools—an Olympic-sized mineral pool, originally built in 1913, is fed by the resort's on-site geysers. (Typically it runs between 92-102°F.) Next door, there's an adults-only pool that's a bit more secluded and open for night swims. Downtown Calistoga is within striking distance of the property so it's worth grabbing a cruiser, available for day use, and biking into town—or, better yet, one of the nearby wineries. As far as dining goes, activity centers around Sam's Social Club, which is open all day and serves up rustic American fare (chilled Hog Island oysters and rib eye steak frites) that draws from regional ingredients. A picturesque outdoor patio is flaked by heritage oak trees and tiny twinkling lights, making it especially pretty at night.

Given its grand amenities–including its own nine-acre vineyard–this hotel is a good bet if you're looking for a romantic resort rather than a quaint inn. The customer service is excellent, as is the spa. It offers tastings in it's cellars and is only about a 10-minute drive from downtown Napa if you're looking to explore or head out to dinner.

The Poetry Inn is somewhat isolated up in the Stag's Leap District (it's about a 20-minute drive from downtown Napa). The rooms feel accordingly secluded and private, and almost all of them have views of the nearby hills. The decor is understated but elegant, with leather sofas, natural woven wicker chairs, and cozy woven throws. If you're interested in an extended trip, look into their three-bedroom farmhouse that's available for monthly rental; it’s complete with a full kitchen and a private pool.

Auberge's Stanly Ranch opened up in spring of 2022, in the Carneros region of Napa Valley. It's about an hour from San Francisco (it's right off Highway 12). And it sits on 700 acres; what's special is that they've only built onto 96 of those acres. The resort itself has 135 cottage rooms. But it also has two more luxurious options: villa homes and vineyard homes. Both are available for purchase. And the villa homes can be booked overnight—they're ideal for family and group trips. The villa homes are all two-bedroom, two-and-a-half bathroom fully furnished condominiums. They're 2,500 to 3,100 square feet—but they actually feel bigger than that. They have that expansive, airy, California quality. Large sliding glass doors open up to a patio with lounge seating, an outdoor dining table, and a grill that could feed a full football team. Off the primary suite, there's another set of siding glass doors leading onto another outdoor patio space. The kitchen is outfitted to the nines, and a delight to cook and entertain in. The outdoor rain shower and bathtub: also a delight. The villas are surrounded by pathways of olive trees and Italian Cypress. Homeowners of the villas can stay for up to 168 nights of the year—the rest of the time, the villas are in the rental program (profits are split with Auberge).

Due to an abundance of white-washed, barn-like architecture, walking around this elegant Auberge hotel feels like taking a stroll through a posh horse stable, with white, clean lines, and tall ceilings (but certainly no horses). Like many resorts in the area, rooms are organized into studio cottages with private patios, and their pool scene is nice and roomy, with plenty of deck space and lounge chairs. You'll be in good hands, food-wise, at their restaurant Solbar restaurant, and a pretty serious spa. Calistoga is known for its mud baths (the geo-thermal heat and mineral-rich mud make for a healing restorative bath), and we've heard that Solage offers one of the best around.

Hotel prices in Napa can get outrageous, and Wydown is our favorite pick in the mid-price range. The location in downtown St. Helena is pretty unbeatable, as you can walk to all of the shops and tasting rooms. Book well in advance—there are only 12 rooms, and they go fast.

It's hard to imagine that Thomas Keller initially opened ad hoc as a temporary dining space—it's been a beloved Yountville dinner spot since it first opened back in 2006. This laid-back spot offers a four-course, family-style menu that changes daily and showcases the comfort food Keller grew up with, like fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, and some seriously good salads with blue cheese and bacon. It's a fixed menu, with no substitutions except for a few add-ons, which always sell out.

The relaxing setting on the patio is one of the main draws of this bistro-style restaurant. Located in the Hatt Building, an historic 1890s ship chandlery, the space has the feel of a French brasserie. The menu is solid, with French favorites such as duck confit and roast chicken.

This place is right off Highway 29, and if you're not looking carefully you could drive right by it. Bistro Don Giovanni is known for classic Italian fare, with excellent homemade pasta—the fettuccine Bolognese with duck ragu is a must-order. Ask to sit outside in the charming garden space.

French Chef Philippe Jeanty first came to the US back in the '70s to work in the first Moët & Chandon restaurant in Napa, and he's been in the valley ever since. His eponymous bistro in downtown St. Helena is French country in the best, most quaint way. Ask to sit on the idyllic outdoor patio.

In this red barn right on the Carneros Resort property, weekend brunch is a major thing for both visitors and locals, thanks to diner favorites like green eggs and ham, triple-stacks of griddle cakes, breakfast tacos, and bacon Bloody Marys. They don't take brunch reservations, so plan accordingly. If you have to be in and out, get the made-to-order cinnamon doughnuts or scones.

It's worth putting Bottega on your list so you can taste Michael Chirello's Italian menu in person. It can feel a little bit touristy, meaning it can get loud and busy, but the service is surprisingly good and the signature ricotta gnocchi is undeniably awesome.

Another mandatory stop on the Thomas Keller tour of Napa, Bouchon is Keller's take on casual French bistro food: Everything is great. They have keep the kitchen open late—but keep in mind that this is California, where even late-night ends at 11.

Brasswood Estate is like a little village: There’s the winery, a bakery, an art gallery, a bottle shop–slash–boutique, and the beloved Brasswood Bar + Kitchen. Sit on the patio overlooking the vineyard and dine on scallops and short rib pappardelle (for example; the menu changes seasonally). After your meal, you’ll notice everyone is ordering a glass of port and the butterscotch panna cotta—you should do the same. They have excellent absinthe, cognac, and cigar menus, too.

Celadon has changed hands a few times, but we've heard it's still just as good as it was under chef Greg Cole, who originally came to Napa to work for Chef Jeanty (of Bistro Jeanty fame) in the kitchen at Domaine Chandon. It's a cozy spot, great for cocktails and Cabernet.

From Christopher Kostow and Nathaniel Dorn, who earned three Michelin stars for the Restaurant at Meadowood, The Charter Oak has a warm brick-and-wood interior, a substantial patio, and a casual family-style menu that elevates the simple American food: Most of the dishes feature a minimal number of ingredients, like hearth roasted figs with local honey for starters, coal roasted cabbage, and cauliflower with a mushroom au jus. It's hugely popular, so be sure to snag reservations ahead of time.

Snag a spot at the long, low, white marble bar at this local favorite where you can look right into the open kitchen. The rustic California-style menu offers up dishes like a whole fish and gorgeous heirloom tomatoes that don't need to be served with anything but olive oil. We can get behind that.

The FARM is Carneros Resort's fancier dining option, known for its stellar farm-to-table line-up.. (The other restaurant is the roadhouse-style Boon Fly Café.) Much of chef Chris Bianco's menu is dictated by what's seasonally thriving, so that may be heirloom tomatoes, baby lettuce, beets, and carrots; meats and fish come from farms across California. The wine list is obviously impressive too, and the cellar features some 490-plus options, including Carneros bottles plus many other sustainable and biodynamically farmed options. There's live music most nights during the summer.

With a large, open dining room and casual vibe, Farmstead is our pick for big groups or for when you're here with kids (the brick chicken is a family favorite). The cuisine takes farm-to-table as literally as possible—vegetable dishes change every day based on the fresh box of produce the chefs receive that day from Rutherford Estate.

Nestled discreetly in a historic former steam laundry in Yountville, Thomas Keller's French Laundry has been a pilgrimage-worthy destination for forever. Although you'll pony up for a meal like this, it's a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Even if you can't get a reservation, experience it vicariously through the gorgeous three-acre garden across the street from the restaurant, which is open to the public.

Gott's Roadside is a fancy diner with unbelievable food. It's perfect for kids and a Napa-quality meal without the white tablecloths. There are also several other locations in Northern California including St. Helena and San Francisco.

Napa is a short drive from some of the country's best oyster beds, so it's worth taking a break from all of the farm-to-table vegetables to check out the best of the ocean's offerings at Hog Island Oyster Co. If you have time, make a field trip out of it and drive over to Point Reyes National Seashore; at their oyster farm, you can get a taste of the bounty fresh out of the ocean.

To dine here is to indulge in authenticity and flavor, as well as minimalism. Owner Kenzo Tsujimoto, the businessman and vintner behind Kenzo Estate Winery, has created a space that evokes his Japanese heritage: light woods and clean lines complement the simple design and allow the authentic Japanese dishes, stars on their own, to shine. The kaiseki menu is fix, and you’ll pay a pretty penny, but it’s an experience you'll likely never forget.

Chef Ken Frank's formal bistro in the Westin Verasa Hotel is the embodiment of the traditional, old-school Napa dining experience. In addition to the six-course tasting menu, we recommend springing for the wine pairing here—it's totally worth it and a great opportunity to see how the region's best wines hold up in a dining setting.

Cindy Pawlcyn was a big part of the first generation of chefs who established Napa as a culinary destination, and her casual grill has been equally loved by tourists and locals for the 30 years since. Order the Mongolian pork chop and onion rings, and take advantage of their wine list, which is surprisingly comprehensive for such a laid-back spot.

Masaharu Morimoto is best known as the original Iron Chef, though his restaurants are actually even better than the TV hype. The vibe here is more urban than you'd find at other restaurants in the valley since it's right downtown in Napa. Meanwhile, the Asian food is also a nice way to break up the local California cuisine.

This contemporary-feeling steakhouse is right off the St. Helena Highway, but it's way more than a roadside joint. The interior is really sleek—it feels a little more New York than Napa—and your fellow diners will be dressed accordingly. It's the kind of place where you'll want to indulge in the really high quality meat; we go straight for a bone-in ribeye.

Although the interior at this spot is a little Napa-quirky (think green leather and lime and orange-striped banquettes), they serve up unshakably good Italian right in the center of downtown. The pasta recipes are creative and original, and the pizza crusts are the perfect, slightly chewy Neapolitan consistency.

Solbar is one of the best amenities at amenity-laden Solage. Featuring a large, open dining room that looks out onto an outdoor garden and seating area, it's a nice quiet spot for California-style cuisine. It's a great place to meet people for drinks.

The city gave Tacos Garcia a permit to set up in the parking lot of the famously divey Pancha's (which, for decades, allowed smoking inside; new ownership says that's the only thing they're changing), and you'll find them there most evenings. The tacos—including the beloved fish and el pastor—are only a couple bucks apiece, which is a blessing when your wallet is starting to feel the strain of wine tastings and big dinners.

In the grand Victorian mansion at Alila Napa Valley, Violetto is a relative newcomer on Napa’s food scene. (It replaced Acacia House.) Each dish is beautifully put together and flavorfully made, making good use of Napa’s abundant produce and honoring the French and Italian traditions that inform the region’s viticulture. It’s great at both brunch and dinner (there are à la carte, prix fixe, and tasting menu options at the latter). And they make magic with their vegetarian and vegan menus—not every fine-dining spot pulls that off.

With only 8 acres (they only produce about 1,000 cases per year), Anomaly is probably the smallest vineyard on our list. A visit to the boutique winery (which will likely be led by owner Steve Goldfarb) is always intimate, and the cabs are sophisticated but really approachable.

Sitting somewhere between a community gathering hub and a winery, Ashes & Diamonds is a Napa Valley-owned spot by Kashy Khaledi. Khaledi cut his teeth as an ad exec at the likes of Capitol Records and MTV before deciding to get into the wine business. The first clue that Ashes & Diamond is unlike any other winery in the Napa Valley is the design: porthole windows, stark white facade, and mid-century modern furnishings are a nod to the Napa Valley of the 1960s thanks to LA-based architect Barbara Bestor. As for the wine itself, Khaledi brought in organic and biodynamic wine makers Steve Matthiasson and Diana Snowden Seysses who are churning out a particularly good Blanc (a blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon from three vineyards in the Oak Knoll District and Yountville). And, in a true nod to his music roots, Khaledi tapped Brian Roettinger, who concepted the album cover of Jay-Z’s Magna Carta Holy Grail, to design the wine labels. Their yearly membership program starts at three bottles, and perks include access to themed ticketed dinners throughout the year.

Caymus is a family operation (the Wagners are in their third generation of winemaking on the property, where they've been making wine since 1972) and the family history and values that tie the vineyard together are elegantly woven through their tasting experience. In addition to trying their excellent Cabs and Zinfandels, you’ll hear about the family's history in the region.

In 1984, art and architecture buff Jan Shrem (the original owner of this estate), partnered with SF MoMA to put on a design competition inviting modern architects to submit proposals for the design of the winery. The commission was awarded to Michael Graves, the modernist who later became famous as a member of the New York Five. In addition to the Graves-designed building, the property is scattered with Shrem's notable collection of modern art, which includes works by Jean Dubuffet and Francis Bacon. The selection of wines here is pretty broad, so it's an excellent option if you're traveling with a big group with a lot of tastes.

Female winemaker Cathy Corison is sort of a legend when it comes to women in the wine business, and she runs her namesake vineyard with her husband, William Martin. Although the tasting experience is laid-back and casual, the wine is an incredibly elegant, old-school Cabernet Sauvignon.

Faust grows their Cabernet Sauvignon east of Napa in Coombsville—typically Chardonnay country, due to its lower temperatures. But it’s exactly the combination of cooler weather, volcanic soils, and sea breezes that gives Faust’s Cabernet its brightness and minerality. In the Victorian mansion at Faust Haus, you’re likely to try a few of their limited-production Cabs and a few other varietals.

With all of the luxe experiences Napa has to offer, it can be easy to forget that the wineries are, at heart, agricultural ventures: Frog's Leap really feels like a farm, in the best possible way. The winery is housed in cavernous old barn, and the farmhouse has a big, wide porch for tastings (which are by appointment only). If you're lucky, you might even catch winemaker John Williams and his scruffy companion, Abbie, driving around the property in Williams' vintage Chevy.

Lauded as one of the most highly regarded Cabernet Sauvignon producers in the region, this winery boasts deep family roots. Husband and wife Jeff and Valerie Gargiulo founded their establishment in the early nineties after more than a decade prior of inspiration and coaching from Valerie’s cousins, who were esteemed Napa winemakers. Over the years they pursued their quest to create incredible wine from their now two vineyard locations in Oakville–a hands-on operation that consists of Jeff, Valerie, daughter April, and son-in-law Mitch. (Fun fact: April is the founder of the best-selling, cult-favorite serum Vintner's Daughter.)

While there's no land to see on this visit (Hunnicutt is exclusively a winery, not a vineyard), the team possesses a real artistry when it comes to wine-making, putting it near the top of our list. In addition to the classic Napa Cabernet Sauvignon, we love the Zinfandel and Chardonnay—and if sitting on their sunny porch for your tasting isn't hands-on enough, sign up for a tour and tasting in their caves.

Inglenook is one of two wineries owned by the Coppola family, and it's sort of a must-see for any Napa itinerary worth its snuff. The gorgeous, historic chateau is far and away one of the grandest buildings in the valley, and the wine (winemaker Phillip Bascuales was trained at Château Margaux) is worthy of the estate.

Simply striking, in all ways: The Kenzo Estate is owned by Japanese-American businessman and vintner Kenzo Tsujimoto and is a work that marries his affinity for the region, wine, and simple aesthetics. After falling in love with Napa Valley decades ago, Tsujimoto debuted his wine in 2008 to much acclaim–but it wasn’t until 2010 that is dream of opening a tasting room for the public came true. Nestled in a drop-dead gorgeous valley, the estate covers 3,800 acres that include sweeping vineyards and a tasting room.

Whereas previously Ladera occupied a rustic old stone winery built in 1886, the company has moved to Calistoga and re-opened a tasting room (with plans to expand their facilities on the property). There are several different tasting options, all centered around their famous Cabernet Sauvignon.

Larkmead Vineyard, which originally opened in the 1880s and is now on its fourth generation of family ownership, specializes in bordeaux grapes—Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot—which cover most of the vineyard. But there’s also a small block of Tocai Friulano (also known as Sauvignonasse), which Larkmead releases in super-limited quantities. You need a reservation for tastings here, which take place in an intimate and homey living room or on the patio overlooking the vineyard.

This vineyard and winery sits on 42 acres of what was an original 1880’s farmstead. Founded by husband-and-wife duo Gil and Beth Nickel in 1997, the property has retained all of the site’s original Queen Ann charm but houses a thoroughly modern wine operation. The Nickel family is committed to sustainability and employs the most modern production methods—the property is solar powered and organic. Underneath the fermentation barns you’ll find a cavernous barrel cellar that stores the winery’s single vineyard Cabernet, Merlot, Chardonnay, and Syrah. They offer both tours and private tastings.

Odette is a property from the PlumpJack group (they're also behind the PlumpJack and CADE vineyards), and like its sister properties, the estate is Gold-LEED certified—a major accomplishment that's very difficult for a winery to achieve.

Opus One only produces one blend every season, and their vintages represent some of the most upscale and expensive wines on the market. The estate, which is meticulously maintained, is fittingly grand. We recommend making an appointment for one of their informative tours if you have time—they have a cavernous cellar (the French oak barrels are only used once) and a very large lab, plus, it's fascinating to find out what it takes to make wines that usually sell for more than $400/bottle.

Everything about Promontory is unique and magnificent—from the Brutalist-farmhouse venue and canyon views to the service and the wines themselves. Your guide walks you through what makes this place (and, of course, the wine it produces) so special, starting with the vineyards, which take up a patch of particularly steep and rugged land in a canyon marked by unusual geology. (Two fault lines run through it, separating three different soil types, which of course influence the flavor of the grapes.) This is a world-class winery experience, and a destination for people passionate about the wine world.

Without question, Quintessa is one of our favorite wine tasting experiences in the valley—it's also one of the locations where we recommend springing for a tour. The grounds are truly breathtaking (they include a calm, clear lake surrounded by vines), and you'll finish up at a perfect hilltop perch, taking in a grand view of the valley while you sip on one of Quintessa's red blends.

NOTE: While the Robert Mondavi Estate is temporarily closed for renovations, they are hosting tastings in downtown Napa Valley at Arch & Tower.

Leslie Rudd is also the previous owner the Dean & DeLuca brand, and his eponymous winery is everything you'd expect from the :owner of the original gourmet food destination: Stunning grounds, classically big California Cabs, and an elegant tasting experience. Rudd's daughter, Samantha, works full time at the vineyard, making the business a true family operation.

Although it's a gorgeous property and the sparkling rosé brut is a standout, the best thing about Schramsberg is its rich history. The vineyard still carries the name of Jacob Schram, the German immigrant who bought the vineyard in 1862, and the original Victorian home that he and his wife built when they first bought the property still stands (it was declared a historical monument back in 1957). The vineyard also keeps an excellent record of notable events where their wines were served—every presidential administration since Nixon has served their sparkling wines to official guests.

Like many of the vineyards in this area, Seavey is a family-owned business: All five of the Seavey children are involved with the business in some capacity. Winemaker Jim Duane is an alumnus of Mondavi and Stag's Leap, meaning that this is a man who knows his way around a Cabernet Sauvignon.

For a sophisticated, grown-up tasting experience, book an appointment at Shafer Vineyards. They're some of the most respected and longstanding winemakers in the valley, and their Chardonnay and Merlot (which you'll sip in their clean-lined, warmly decorated tasting room, with sweeping views of the property) are classics.

Silver Oak has long been lauded for its Cabernets–consistently selling out of its releases for years (the same goes for the Pinot Noirs and Sauvignon Blancs produced by tis sister winery, Twomey). Run by Vintner David Duncan, the absolutely gorgeous space is located in the center of the valley, in the middle of Oakville. The winery throws the biggest release-day parties of the year, a tradition (and category) cemented since the 1980's when wine enthusiasts started showing up the day of the release. This is an all-around beautiful, successful vineyard not to be missed.

You'll have to venture off the beaten path to find this spot, but that only makes uncovering it feel even more special. Founded by matriarch Mary Novak and now run by her two daughters Beth and Lindy, this woman-led operation is a standout. Spots here go fast, so book tastings well in advance.

If you're a child of the '90s, you'll recognize this house and some of the roads as Hallie's Dad's house from the The Parent Trap. Nostalgia aside, this estate offers beautiful grounds and exceptional wines. The Staglin Family are also well known philanthropists—since opening the vineyard, they've raised and donated more than $800 million for mental health research.

The historic, ivy-covered stone building where Stags' Leap hosts its tastings was built in 1890 using stone mined in a local quarry. The building and its lush grounds, which feature a bocce court, fruit orchard, native plant gardens, and an ancient stone cellar, are steeped in the history of the region; the house is even rumored to be haunted by a friendly ghost.

A newer addition to the California wine trail, Stewart has quickly become a favorite for its top-notch Napa varietals. The Yountville-based wine business is a family affair—run by Michael Stewart and his children—so it's only natural they wanted to open a tasting room with a convivial, easygoing vibe. The Stewarts tapped interior designer Ken Fulk to give the space, which also includes a café and a library, a lived-in, time-worn feel complete with a Syre stone facade, lots of outdoor space, a wood-burning fireplace, and a mix of antiques culled from Brimfield and Paris flea markets.

Storybook Mountain (named for its original founders, two brothers named Grimm) is a totally unique, rural California winery experience. The organic vineyards are known for their Zinfandel, and it's worth taking the time to explore their caves, which were part of the original vineyard and are buried so deeply that they never require artificial cooling.

Counting Robert Mondavi and Cakebread as its neighbors, this small, family-owned and operated winemaker doubles down on its small-but-mighty Cabernet Sauvignon. (They played host to our Napa road-to-table event.) Here, second generation vintner Zoe Johns, who took the helm of Turnbull at the age of 33, brings her vision for a modern vineyard to life: a tasting gallery features a rotating roster of artwork from artists like Berenice Abbott, Ansel Adams, Edward Weston, and Herb Ritts, while a more elaborate private tasting and pairing program leans heavily on what's freshest from the garden. It goes without saying that the vineyard views are pretty killer from just about everywhere on property, too.

Sometimes the best way to get a taste of the local scene (especially in a tourist-centric place like St. Helena) is to seek out the busiest hometown dive. We think it's fun just to belly up to the bar and chat with the regulars, but Ana's also has a pool table, a jukebox, and performances by local bands to mix things up a bit.

If you're hoping to experience some of Thomas Keller's Napa magic but don't have time or the budget for a full meal in Yountville, take a quick stop at Bouchon Bakery, where the Keller team makes the baked goods (starring unbelievable baguettes) for all of his restaurants. It's a great option for a light breakfast if you’re wandering around Yountville, and no one should leave without a big box of their famous macarons. The line can get a little lengthy on the weekends, but it’s so worth it.

Erin Martin is one of the most respected interior designers in the area, thanks to her dark, industrial, cool-girl style. Her shop on Main Street in St. Helena showcases some of the bigger stuff like couches, along with art books, unique jewelry, and other knick-knacks.

This Italian deli has been serving build-your-own sandwiches since the 1970s. Pick your bread base (we recommend the dutch crunch roll), and then take your pick from the endless meat, cheese, and fixings choice, including “Giugni juice”, the deli’s famous homemade balsamic vinaigrette, which we suggest adding to anything and everything you order. Arrive before 11am or place an online order, as the line can be long.

The Model Bakery is best known for their English muffins, which we admit sounds random. But trust us here: They take organic stone-ground flour, roll out each muffin by hand, and cook them in clarified butter on a piping-hot griddle until they’re golden-brown. The results are pillowy—and perfect with jam or sandwiching a bacon, egg, and cheese. They do pastries, cookies, breads, cakes, pies, sandwiches, and pizza here, too. But if you’re a first-timer, it really is all about the English muffins.

Laura Rombauer pretty much has Napa style nailed, and her store reflects it. Housed in a historic brick building, she specializes in items for tabletop decorating, like rainbow-hued Claude Dozorme steak knives, Simon Pearce serving bowls, and imported linens in wonderfully subdued colorways.

Oxbow Public Market is kind of like a gourmet farmers' market that's open all week, with vendors ranging from a vegetable grocer, to a wineshop, to a coffee shop. It's also home to some of our other favorites in the area, like Gott's and Hog Island Oyster.

Downtown St. Helena is filled with adorable stops, and this local chocolatier, where the goodies are hand-made by a husband-and-wife duo and their daughters, is one of our favorites. Their boxes are the perfect finishing touch for a picnic lunch.

Perched on a hill above an endless, undulating view of beautiful vineyards, Auberge du Soleil has set the standard in Napa luxury for thirty years. The property’s incredible spa is replete with light-filled treatment rooms overlooking an olive-tree-flanked courtyard. The Best of Auberge Facial spoils you for life, fortifying skin with nourishing, collagen-infused serums, hydrating masks, balancing botanical enzymes, a powerful dose of antioxidants via the deservedly obsessed-over Vintner’s Daughter, and pure olive extracts sourced from the property’s groves right outside.

Nothing says small town like a local movie theater, and this spot—one of the last single-screen theaters in the country—is truly a neighborhood treasure. It's incredibly well-maintained, and since they typically have a good selection of kids movies in the afternoon, it's a great rainy-day activity to keep in your back pocket.

For the adventurous: a six-day long excursion through the best of California wine country. Duvine, an adventure company known for hosting some of the best tours in the world, runs this trip several times a year, including in October so you can catch the vineyards at peak ripeness. The best part is the hosts seem to know the b-sides of both the valleys, taking you behind the scenes to meet and watch the producers, farmers, and artisans. If you're up for the week-long, intense workout, it's the best way to see area.

There's almost no better way to experience the rolling hills of the landscape here than to see them from above—between the views and the close quarters, a balloon ride is surprisingly romantic, too. The folks at Napa Valley Balloons have been in the business forever—and since these trips typically start at ungodly early hours, they're considerate enough to arrive with plenty of coffee in hand.

Although it's unabashedly touristy, the wine train is an easy, laid-back way to experience the geography of the region, and a great way to do it with kids. You can sign up for a winery tour or a lunch, but we like it best at dinner, when you can watch the sun set over the hills as you chug along.

Even if you’re not in Cusco preparing for the journey up to Machu Picchu, this beautiful, cobbled city is well worth the visit. The Belmond Hotel Monasterio, a former monastery and now national monument—built in 1592 on the site of an Inca palace—turned luxury hotel brimming with character is, without question the most atmospherically beautiful spot to room in Cusco. The candlelit, cloistered courtyard is perfect for a pre-dinner pisco sour or morning coffee surrounded by trees. Be sure to wander into the restored Baroque chapel as you make your way to one of the hotel's two excellent restaurants nestled in the cloisters (Illariy is the Peruvian fine-dining option, while the more laid-back El Tupay hosts live opera a few nights a week). Besides visiting Machu Picchu, the hotel can arrange any number of activities, from white water rafting to cooking classes (Peru is a hotbed of culinary activity, after all). An additional draw is the live oxygen pumped into each room, a godsend for those adjusting to the altitude.

They say you get to know a culture best through its food. And no one knows food better than the chefs who make it. That’s the idea behind Tasting Notes—a bunch of high-end trips created by Black Tomato, in which you travel to Basque Country or Peru or the Lake District in England or any of a handful of places to eat, taste, and immerse yourself in that particular culinary world. The trips are incredibly luxurious, designed by chefs, and often offer access to the places and the kitchens that are closed to the public. Come curious, and come hungry.

Massimo Bottura’s flagship restaurant Osteria Francescana has three Michelin stars, but Bottura is probably just as well known for saving the Parmigiano Reggiano industry after the catastrophic 2012 earthquake. Now he and his wife, Lara, have extended the Francescana experience into the Emilian countryside. Casa Maria Luigia has just opened and is the Call Me by Your Name dolce far niente escape we spend most of the year fantasizing about. A restored country home with tennis courts, a pool, expansive gardens, and of course—Francescana. Dinner takes place in the carriage house and includes a nine-course tasting menu of all the Osteria’s greatest hits. After this feast to end all feasts, simply cross the courtyard, climb the stairs, and tumble into queen-size bed surrounded by contemporary art from the Botturas’ own collection.

Though it offers incredible views of the Tuscan countryside and an excellent spa, the 12th-century castle-turned-hotel is really about food. The owner, Aurora Baccheschi Berti, is a world-class chef who specializes in Northern Italian cuisine (check out her cookbook here). In addition to whipping up a daily breakfast spread she holds cooking classes (fresh pasta making, for example) using organic ingredients grown right on property. There’s also a working vineyard and an olive grove where you can witness the harvests firsthand.

At this point—several documentaries, World’s Best Restaurant awards, and multiple cookbooks later—chef Rene Redzepi of Noma fame is a cult figure in the food world. Despite several residencies from Oaxaca to Tokyo and a new restaurant with greenhouses, a roof garden, and a fermentation lab, Redzepi is still steadfast in his dedication to the New Nordic. The culinary practice is resolute when it comes to seasonality and indigenous ingredients which, given Denmark’s frigid winters, is no small feat. The new Noma splits the year into three menus—game in autumn, seafood in the winter, and vegetables in the summer. A table in the farm-style, nearly all-glass space is one of the most impossible seats to snag anywhere in the world. A few tips: Plan months ahead. Consider the number of food-obsessed friends you might have who will get on an international flight to eat with you. And stay at the design-forward SP34 hotel. Then prepare to eat the most creative, delicious (and expensive) meal of your life—with wine pairings, of course.

The minute you set foot in Copenhagen and take a look around it’s obvious: The Danish know design. So it makes sense that the luxury travel company Indagare paired up with Architectural Digest to mastermind the perfect trip for the kind of people who know Eames is spelled with an E. The trip is six days long (September 16 to 21), and the itinerary includes touring the best design museums in Copenhagen as well as private design studios, visiting the archives of Georg Jensen, seeing the best of the city’s architecture by boat, staying at Hotel Sanders (one of the nicest in town), and did we mention the food? There’s room for only two dozen people, so get to it.

Casa Teo is an Airbnb that moonlights as a creative space for artists, chefs, and regular travelers. It’s also the latest culinary concept by chef Enrique Olvera of Mexico City’s legendary Pujol. This well-appointed, Scandinavian-style, two-bedroom apartment perched atop the former Pujol location in Mexico City’s achingly chic Polanco neighborhood, is a food lover’s dream. And as in many households, the action (and in this case, design focal point) centers around the kitchen—namely, a long communal kitchen table, where gorgeous breakfast spreads and elaborate evening tasting menus are prepared by an in-house chef. Prefer to go out? Who knows what kind of near-impossible dinner reservations the Casa Teo team might be able to snag for you.

A city redevelopment project of gargantuan proportions, this 10km stretch of green space along the city's Manzanares riverbank replaces the former M-30 freeway, which now runs underground. Its completion in 2011 brought local Madrileños back to the riverbed with a system of restored bridge monuments, new footbridges, or Cáscaras, an urban beach for sunbathers, 17 new playgrounds, and kayak docks. What's more, it's stitched neighborhoods like Arganzuela, Carabanchel, and La Latina—once dissected by the city's traffic—back together, making them all completely walkable. Rent a bike or stroll the riverbank to check out the park's features, such as the fruit tree arboretum recreating that of the formal royal palace, or the pine walk which is almost directly above the now submerged M-30. All of this is the work of an impressive, 4-year collaboration between the Dutch firm West8 and Madrid's own MRIO. Photo: © West8

Tucked in the heart of Chilean wine country, Viña Vik is a hideaway just two hours south of Santiago. The ultra-modern design, which offers wholly uninterrupted views of your surroundings—amidst some 11,000 acres of unspoiled land—is reminiscent of Frank Gehry. Winemaking is the primary focus here, and the Vik family (which also has Estancia Vik and Playa Vik in Uruguay), but the organic garden, which cultivates more than 250 different varieties of fruits and vegetables (kale, mint, lavender, peaches, and avocados, among them) is equally notable. There's a dedicated culinary education program for guests around harvesting and cooking the produce. Come December, well-known Argentinean pastry chef Osvaldo Gross will host a series of classes for guests, too.

Safaris have gotten a real makeover in recent years as travelers have become more discerning about the environment and welfare of the land, the animals, and the people who safeguard it . Chobe Game Lodge in elephant-rich Botswana is Ecotourism-certified by TKTKorganization, and despite being a five-star operation (Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton honeymooned here), sustainability and the delicacy of the ecosystem is taken very seriously. Accommodations are absolutely stunning—even standard rooms have private terraces overlooking the landscape with binoculars to spot the giraffes among the treetops, four-poster beds made up with local textiles, and deep tubs for late-night soaks. Emissions-free, electric game drives start early, when the lions, leopards, and crocodiles are still hunting (hot coffee and warm throws for your shoulders make these cooler sunrise drives extremely pleasant), while solar-powered boat safaris are best in the early evening when herds of elephants come to the river to drink. In between, head to the lodge with a book, cool off in the pool, or wander the gardens and get acquainted with the monkeys.

Kin understands that seasoned travelers care about sustainability, cultural sensitivity, and offsetting their carbon footprint. Kin Travel’s trips (it offers itineraries in Kenya, Wyoming, Cape Cod, and Haiti) are varied and a tad unusual. The Haiti trip is maybe the most remarkable: It takes guests off the grid to the beaches along the northern coast reachable only by boat. Travelers sleep in a camp designed to soak up as much of the natural beauty as possible, hike to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of La Citadelle Lafferiere (a fortress from the 1800s), and take a boat to see reef restorations up close. This also comes alongside swimming, snoozing, and yoga, of course. Proceeds from trips go toward funding eco-sanitation throughout Haiti and community health in isolated villages, plus building access to education. Any carbon footprint generated is offset by Kin Travel with Terrapass.

Laikipia, a county in central Kenya, is vast. Stretching across millions of acres between Mount Kenya and the northern deserts, it’s not necessarily a game park, but many ranchers have removed fencing and barriers to allow the wildlife to roam free. Reachable by plane—a small prop plane—this trip, led by Pelorus who excel in planning experiential expeditions is an educational one. Rather than spending days in a four-by-four, hoping to catch sight of the big five, you’ll bear witness to elite antipoaching operations and conservation efforts led by the people who live in Laikipia. From there you could fly down to Amboseli National Park in the shadows of Kilimanjaro, trek with the Maasai, and experience firsthand their efforts to safeguard the endangered elephant herds native to the region.

Every spring hundreds of whale sharks swim to Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula to feed off the nutrient-rich plankton in the area. The site is incomprehensible: dozens of gently curved, grey, polka-dotted whale sharks, most the size of a school bus, churning up the clear blue water. It's a playground of gentle giants—and it's safe to join. Whale sharks aren't a threat to humans—only to plankton—which makes swimming with them not only safe but a truly transcendental experience. And because the species is facing extinction, it sadly may be a fleeting one. The Blue Sphere Foundation, a nonprofit that advocates for oceanic health and endangered marine life, hosts dive expeditions off Isla Mujeres: You can see the whale sharks from the boat or snorkel among them.

&Beyond is an eco-tourism company that operates twenty-nine of the most luxurious safari camps in Africa. Since 2013, &Beyond has been involved in an ambitious attempt to save South Africa’s rhinos from extinction through poaching. In partnership with Rhino Force and Great Plains Conservation, the company has been translocating white rhinos from their South African game reserves to Botswana’s safer, relatively poacher-free Okavango Delta. &Beyond now offers visitors the opportunity to sponsor these translocations and witness the complexity—rhinos are carefully sedated and tagged to ensure their well-being before being transported to neighboring Botswana—of the operation. While the process of finding and tagging the rhinos can be extreme, accommodations on the Phinda Camp are incredibly luxurious, and the feeling of helping safeguard this vulnerable species for the next generation is something that stays with you forever.

Habitat for Humanity was among the first to make volunteer travel what it is today. And not only did Habitat make it viable; the company made the idea of using your vacation to bring good to the world a more attractive option than just: Get on a plane; land on an island. The ethos of the company is to provide housing for low-income families, and to do that, it relies on volunteers. The Global Village trips are relatively short—a week to ten days—and are available in dozens of countries all over the world—Paraguay, Zambia, Kenya, Cambodia, Mexico, and Nepal. Decide where you want to go, explain what skill sets you bring, and go make the world a better place. After one trip, you’ll almost certainly plan another.

Much like Marlon Brando fell in love with Tetiaroa while filming Mutiny on the Bounty (he purchased the land for him and his wife Tarita in 1967), guests are instantly charmed by the island’s coconut palm groves and white-sand beaches. To further his commitment to sustainability, Brando enlisted the help of hotelier Richard Bailey to build the world's first ever post-carbon resort. Though by no means cheap (the all-inclusive rates start at $2,700 per night) The Brando’s lengthy list of activities (snorkeling, kayaking, paddle boarding) and indoor/outdoor accommodations—complete with sleek decor, plunge pools, and outdoor bathtubs—mean the pricetag makes sense. The island’s restaurants serve dishes comprised of ingredients plucked from the resort’s own organic fruit orchard and veggie garden.

Beyond the high-tech camping fabrics and unglamorous tents, this is our pick for the most design-worthy camping site out there. Located about an hour west of the park’s boundaries, beneath Lone Peak, this collective of beautifully built canvas tents is roughing it at its best (and to say roughing it is a stretch). Each teepee-like tent is outfitted with chic, rustic furniture, a plush king-sized bed, and tribal decor. To make the entire camping experience pretty much labor-free, the full-service company schedules farm-to-table breakfasts and dinners cooked on site by a nearby chef.

The relationship between the Fogo Island Inn and the beautiful community and physical landscape in which it exists is pretty incredible. Conceived as a social enterprise to support the tiny, yet sturdy outport community on the island, it provides jobs, celebrates local cuisine, and donates all of its proceeds to community programming. The inn itself is a gorgeous, simple, modern building that juts out in juxtaposition to, yet somehow at harmony with, the rocky outcroppings of the landscape. For visitors, the quaint quality of the place inspires plenty of hand holding: In the summer and fall, you can hike the idyllic trails in search of wild berries and local wildlife, like caribou, foxes, puffins, and migrating whales—in the winter, you'll find ice fishing, picturesque snowfall, and plenty of cozy fires. The décor (not surprisingly, all of the furniture was built by the locals) is modern but cozy, with Scandinavian-feeling wooden shapes and warm, hand-made quilts. As you might expect, the views out of the wide, modern windows are nothing less than jaw-dropping.

Born from the imagination of James Bond novelist Ian Fleming, GoldenEye is rooted in such cultural lore, it’s hard not to feel like you’re playing a part in a glamorous spy story. It was here Fleming penned all fourteen Bond books (the author’s home, the Fleming Villa, can be reserved separately), and this is also where Bond’s cinematic debut, Dr. No, was filmed. But if these cultural muses don’t inspire a trip, consider that the collection of villas was also constructed by an all-star cast. Chris Blackwell, the founder of Island Records, enlisted Ann Hodges, one of Jamaica’s most noted architects, to produce the property’s supremely comfortable accommodations, fitted with hardwood floors, outdoor showers, and lush, secluded gardens. Go for one of the six lagoon cottages, which were built to hover above the tranquil water and have private docks for midnight swims and morning paddleboarding. In the spare, octagonal bedrooms, louvred windows welcome natural sea breezes to replace air-conditioning.

A private, guided “slack-country” ski itinerary that’s tailored to you? That’s the Parom Camps calling card. One or two weeks, off-piste or touring—the choose-your-own-adventure vibe is exactly what Finnish transplant Inka Haapala’s epic ski-guiding company offers. The incredibly knowledgeable guides are powder chasers at heart; they go where the best snow goes—or, in Japan, where the Japow (that’s local for powder) dumps day in and day out. That means skipping out on the crowded resorts in search of that impossibly perfect, untouched terrain. Take over the lodge with your crew or tuck into one of the cozy cottages in the woods near some of the best backcountry in Niseko—Parom Camps will hook you up with lodging, transportation, and suggestions for where and how to après like a local. Which, if you’re doing it right, means soaking for hours in a traditional onsen (hot spring), slurping up the richest miso ramen Hokkaido has to offer, and washing it all down with a glass of Yamazaki whisky.

For a beginner mountaineer, Kilimanjaro has many advantages. The mountain’s proximity to the equator makes for a tolerable climate (serious storms are rare). The 19,000-foot climb will take you through rain forest, tundra, and desert—and the crescendo is the snow-capped glacier above the clouds. Be prepared: Catching your breath becomes harder as the oxygen decreases and the air thins out; experts recommend a nine-day climb to adjust. The Machame route is the most scenic (admittedly with a few steep climbs), while the Lemosho route is the least traveled for those craving solitude and quiet. Abercrombie & Kent is an expert tour operator that caters to small groups only (no more than twelve) and climbing with one of its teams comes with helpful luxuries like chefs, porters, and guides who know the mountain better than anyone else. All you’ll need to carry is a backpack of essentials—lip balm, a camera, sunscreen, maybe some toilet paper—to summit Africa’s tallest peak.

Some trips are so far off the grid that just a little advance planning doesn’t quite cut it. Take Mongolia. Cazenove+Loyd are pros at crafting bespoke experiences in the far reaches of the world, and there is no team better equipped to get you acquainted with the Mongolian wilderness. You’ll set up camp and sleep in comfortably outfitted gers (traditional yurt-type structures) complete with memory-foam mattresses, wood-burning stoves, bathrooms, and exquisite, handmade Mongolian personal-care products. Getting up close with the Mongolian steppes means roughing it, but the mobility of the set-it-up-anywhere ger ensures a warm night’s sleep accentuated by spectacular vistas and the odd rustling bird. If you decide to venture into the wilds of the Gobi Desert, Three Camel Lodge has got you covered. The Cazenove+Loyd team will handle every detail, from saddling up the horses to procuring local delicacies, like mutton dumplings, for supper under the stars.

If you were to drum up an image in your mind of what an Old West homestead should look like, you’d probably conjure up The Ranch at Rock Creek. And for good reason, as it was one, dating back to its original function as a mining claim in the 1800s (nearby Philipsburg was home to a major silver boom). It was homesteaded in the early 1900s and has been a working cattle ranch since, though it now doubles as a luxury guest ranch—and it is really, really well done. Though it’s been tastefully rehabilitated, much of the main lodge is original, and the log homes and tent-style accommodations that dot the valley seem like they could have been from that era as well, thanks to period-appropriate (though cushy) fixtures, and an incredible body of photography, all sourced from the state archives in Helena (19th century boy with pet bear? Check.). It’s all-inclusive here, and you can pick from a range of activities every morning, so if your kid falls in love with a particular horse, he can ride that horse everyday. (As a nice extra, they accommodate more advanced riders, too, which means you can actually get out and run.) There’s fly fishing, paint ball, shooting, archery, an on-site spa, and a rodeo every Tuesday night—they can also arrange for rafting, helicopter trips to Glacier or Yellowstone, or heli-hiking into the back country (those cost extra). And the food? The food is the perfect balance between comfort ranch and modern healthy— and all as locally sourced as possible. There’s a weekly post-rodeo barbecue, an evening of cooking outside in Dutch Ovens (a neat culinary trick that the chef, Josh Drage, picked up from his grandmother), interesting spins like sweet potato sandwiches, and the occasional night of wine pairings and fancy food.

This is another Chris Blackwell property (the other is GoldenEye), and as the founder of Island Records, Blackwell keeps the walls of these white wooden cottages lined with an array of historic rock-and-roll memorabilia. (This is the place Bob Marley chose as an escape when he faced threats to his life in the mid-1970s.) It feels like a secluded mountain village tucked high in the contours of Jamaica’s Blue Mountain Range, over 3,000 feet above sea level. The nineteenth-century Georgian architecture has a sophisticated, laid-back charm, matched by hand-dyed batik linens and four-poster beds with billowing drapes. And it’s almost a magical experience to stroll through the morning mist in the private gardens before breakfast. The hikes (led by expert staff members) give you a real sense of what the interior of the island is all about; afterward, unwind with an aloe wrap at the spa. But our favorite thing to do was to take in the views—every last heart-stopping one of them.

Everything about this safari camp is achingly chic (to the extent that it's Michael Kors' favorite vacation destination), from the leather and canvas washed interiors, to the long pool. Of course, that's kind of just a side note to the fact that it's in the middle of South Africa's Kreuger National Park, meaning that you get to take your laps in the morning to the sound of giraffes tussling nearby. There are also incredible views of the N'wanetsi river. While they allow kids over 10, keep in mind that a safari isn't for those who don't want to wake up early in the morning (or hate being confined to a car for most of the day). Rates include two game drives per day, walking safaris, and all meals and drinks (there's a great wine cellar).

Tavarua is the island you see when you daydream about the South Pacific: sand as fine as confectioner’s sugar, a break that looks like the cover of a surfing magazine, and good god, so much blue. This tiny island in Fiji is home to one resort (which itself is home to a pool, hot tub, spa, fitness center, and Ping-Pong table), and caters to a very specific kind of traveler—the one who likes the quiet that you find at the edge of the world. Actually, it also caters to surfers, tennis players, and people who want to be in beautiful tropical places. We also love it because Tavarua puts a huge emphasis on sustainability, from a rain-catchment program to locally sourced food.

Nothing but you, a few friends, a family of elk, and a bald eagle. That—plus a lot of fresh air in a series of jaw-dropping locations—is the general idea of this trip. While MT Sobek offers excursions and hikes and adventure travel all over the world, not much can beat a view of the Rocky Mountains from 10,000 feet. You’ll hike up to a dozen miles a day and raft for about eleven miles—but this isn’t the kind of Outward Bound–style trip where you have to pitch your own tent and kill your own dinner. (You stay in a hotel every night.) After a week, you’ll come home a stronger, fitter, more well-adjusted human.

We have it on good authority that Zion Mountain Ranch is a total gem. Go here for canyoneering, night campfires, and horse back riding, as well as the incredible, life-changing landscapes and scenery. In fact, this National Register of Historic Places member is the only place to stay within the confines of Zion National Park. Top-notch restaurants and modern amenities are above and beyond what one might expect from such a remote location.

Eat, pray, and love your way to wellness at this palatial mountain estate in the foothills of the Indian Himalayas. For those curious about yoga, meditation, Vedanta, or Ayurveda, it's a magical wonderland where you can experience a variety of disciplines and learn from a range of philosophies every day. You'll be present to the history and tradition that surrounds you with every view of the Ganges, each meal prepared in accordance to the Dosha, and every walk through the palace grounds. You can read more about this magical place, here.

This Rosewood-managed property is located in Hawke's Bay, deep in the heart of New Zealand's rich wine country—which, geographically speaking, looks as if one took the rolling hills of the Napa Valley and set them down on the edge of a dramatic seaside cliff. The internationally known golf course (which meanders its way along the aforesaid cliffs) is part of the draw here, but guests also spend their time exploring the 6,000 acres of pasture—The Farm is actually a working sheep and beef operation, and touring around by foot or on a four-wheeler, to see the full acreage and get a glimpse of the sheepdogs at work, is highly recommended. The architecture features worn wood panels on the inland side and glass, view-facing windows on the other, achieving a barn-like effect that's tempered by modern features like a sleek infinity pool. Interiors echo the modern farmhouse vibe, with cozy wooden fireplaces in every room, rustic beams crossing the vaulted ceilings, and curtains done in soft blue French ticking. The owners have two other properties in New Zealand (Matakauri, a lakeside retreat a short drive from Queenstown, and Kauri Cliffs, which has beach access in Mauri Bay), so if you're making the trek from the United States, it's worth hitting more than one over the course of the trip. P.S. Everyone's obsessed with the chocolate chip cookies from the kitchen here, for good reason.

With an emphasis on holistic wellness, this stunning retreat calls upon certified specialists in yoga, Pilates and qigong, to personalized mountain biking, hiking and circuit training guides. In the Estate's main kitchen, you can design your own three-course menu (go for an authentically Indonesian dish) to cook with chef. During your stay, you’ll likely live at Glow, an all-day restaurant/café serving pressed juice, organic salads, and fresh Mediterranean fish.

Three hours from Bangkok along a beachy stretch of coast, the Chiva-Som spa staff greets you with lemongrass tea, a cold towel, and a garland of jasmine and roses. You can relax here. This wellness retreat opened nearly 30 years ago, and it remains one of the world’s best.

We’re not the only ones who get that making profound connections, spiritual growth, and emotional well-being are all things that modern men crave. We started goop Men. Lucas Krump started Evryman. This B Corp’s mission is simple: to help men connect. Connect to what? That’s where it gets a bit more complex. In connecting to the wilderness through intensive guided retreats and expeditions to spiritually charged places like Joshua Tree and Yellowstone, men forge deeper connections to themselves. There’s meditation, overcoming physical feats, sleeping outdoors, yoga, group work, and much more. Back home, by attending weekly groups, they develop bonds with peers to support and nourish and maintain their hard work in a totally destigmatized environment.

This is the perfect place to decamp with a group of friends: The spa is fantastic (treatments involve local and endemic ingredients), the food is even better, and the scene—the northern edge of New Zealand—couldn't really be more spectacular. A lot of golfers stay here, though there's plenty to do that doesn't involve a set of clubs: Horseback riding, surfing, fishing, and mountain biking are all easily accessible (though it's also the kind of resort where they make wishes into realities, so if there's something you're dying to do, just ask). And starting in November, you can book your own private four-bedroom enclave.

Tucked into the foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains, Miraval Arizona is a one-stop shop for all things wellness. This 400-acre desert retreat is the kind of place you can go on a girls' getaway or a solo journey—and return home feeling totally reset. The guest rooms and villas have recently had their own reset, of sorts—the design weaves in the fabric of the surrounding Sonoran Desert with natural fibers, wood and stone textures, and big French doors that take full advantage of the views. In early 2018, Miraval is launching the Retreat—a collection of 22 residences equipped with indoor-outdoor showers, a private pool or spa—each designed for larger groups traveling together, or those seeking a bit more living space. The rugged, cacti-dotted terrain is the backdrop for a host of activities, including horseback riding, hiking, and botany-focused tours. The spa, with its army of healers, wellness practitioners, and massage therapists—is obviously the main draw. And all programs are fully customizable: Guests can begin their morning with reiki, try an aerial yoga session in the afternoon, and wind down with a hot stone massage in a temperature-controlled outdoor tent.

They call him the “Tarzan” of today. But MovNat founder Erwan Le Corre’s real-life MO? Getting back to nature—specifically, helping people move instinctively in nature. You can think of his workshop as a next-level workout, except that it’s in the wild. Bouldering, scaling rocks, climbing trees, deep-sea swimming, lifting fallen logs—it’s the kind of stuff you can’t do or find even in the most tricked-out gym. His challenging weekend and weeklong retreats—held all around the globe in jungles, on beaches, near mountains—are for adventurers; designed to get you out of your comfort zone, back to nature, and back in your body.

This old whaling island off the coast of Cape Cod is where you go if you want time to slow down—but not necessarily stop altogether. A day can be as mellow or as active as you wish: Pick a beach to lie out on or pick up a SUP; wander aimlessly through the immaculate little streets on a self-guided architecture tour or wander into the Nantucket Historical Association to learn a thing or two. With eighty-two miles of coastline to wade through, countless secret beach dunes to climb, three authentic New England lighthouses to gawk at, and one goop MRKT to work your way through, there’s no risk of getting bored. For a home base, choices are limited (the island is small), but the ones that exist—like the White Elephant (a landmark property right in the center of the harbor), Greydon House (designed by Roman and Williams) and a sprinkling of idyllic bed-and-breakfasts—are all perfect in their own uniquely Nantucket ways.

Sitting on 3,000 acres of ancient sacred grounds at the foot of Mount Kuchumaa in Tecate, the ranch has been welcoming those seeking a head-to-toe reboot since the ‘40s. Unlike a hardcore medical spa, the focus of a basic seven-day retreat is on spiritual wellness and gentle de-stressing by way of diet (there’s an organic farm and a cooking school on site), rigorous physical activity, mindful meditation, and a slew of world-class treatments performed at one of three stunning organic spa complexes. For more intense healing, there’s acupuncture, chiropractic services, Craniosacral therapies, and more.

Somewhere in the Gulf of Thailand, there are three islands called Koh Phangon, Koh Yao Yai, and Koh Chang. The three of them comprise Santhiya Resorts & Spas. And the natural beauty of the islands can’t be overstated—the perfect beaches, the perfect views, the perfect jungles. You’ll feel like you’re in an Alex Garland novel—only with sunrise yoga, farm-to-table meals, Ayurvana facials, and your own private villa overlooking maybe the entire ocean. The resort is an eco-luxe resort, which means that your bed may be made of reclaimed wood, but your sheets will have very high thread counts.

What sets this spa apart is its range: People come looking for help with sexual health, long-term cognitive ability, better skin—and somehow SHA does it all. SHA was established to put guests on the road to optimal well-being. The founder rebounded from chronic health problems after aligning diet, natural therapies, and contemporary medicine, and the marriage of all three remains part of SHA’s core philosophy.

Dr. Joshi's clinic is one of our first ports of (detox) call in London. In addition to colonics, Dr. Joshi also offers a pretty in-depth list of other wellness-centric services including personal training, massage, Endermologie, and his signature twenty-one-day nutritional plan, which are all designed to help detox. The clinic also offers a spectacular Moroccan riad retreat for the weary.

When you find yourself reaching for your iPhone to check emails in the middle of the night, it's time for The Ranch. This weeklong boot camp in Malibu encourages you to power down, let go of stress, and break less-than-healthy habits. Every day starts with several hours of hiking in the Santa Monica Mountains, and guests clock up to 60 miles a week. That has benefits for the body, yes. And if you’d like, the practitioners here will do a cholesterol check and body scan at the beginning of your program and again at the end. But all that physical exertion is mentally and emotionally cathartic, too.