St Julien Hotel & Spa

Situated on the banks of the Kamogawa river and overlooking a cluster of mountains, the Ritz-Carlton in Kyoto provides all the swanky amenities (spa, fine dining, impeccable service) one might expect, plus a slew of unexpected extras. While it’s the perfect home base from which to venture out into downtown Kyoto and surrounding districts, the hotel’s roster of activities offers plenty of reasons to hang around the property. Here, you can try your hand at Japanese floral design, soap making, traditional origami, and more. Sake tastings, matcha tea ceremonies, and master sushi classes can also be arranged for anyone who’s interested.

The Soneva family of resorts may be situated on some of the most gorgeous land in the world, sure, but what really gets our hearts beating faster is their dedication to a form of tourism that goes even beyond sustainable. It’s called Slow Life, which breaks down to: Sustainable-Local-Organic-Wellness Learning-Inspiring-Fun-Experiences. Here, you truly disconnect from all the business at home, and connect instead with a stunningly, pristine landscape (including a UNESCO protected coral reef). There are 55 villas here, which have anything from three to nine bedrooms (making this epic for a big group of friends or family reunion), and the focus is equally on ensuring that kids have a great time, whether it’s in the open-air cinema, at the observatory, or riding bikes around the island. (It doesn’t hurt that they offer 60 kinds of ice cream.)

At Soneva Jani, zipping across the island on bikes, barefoot, is the norm. The spa occupies two complexes, one perched over the jungle and the other over the sea. (You can do a full-on panchakarma program with the resort’s resident Ayurveda experts, or follow up your massage with an hour in the hyperbaric oxygen chamber.) Every accommodation is a one-to four-bedroom house on the beach or over the water, with private pools and full kitchens. In the master bedrooms, retractable roofs allow for stargazing from bed. Restaurant options abound.

GP took a family trip here a few years ago that she still talks about today. It was incredible. First, Soneva is a wonderful company (see Soneva Fushi). Second, you can pick from 24 villas or 11 private residences, which all boast infinity pools and access to both beach and rainforest. But for kids, it’s a real freak out. There was a water slide in GP's villa, there’s an open-air cinema, and you can eat in the trees. (There’s also an ice cream parlor.)

This might just be the most stunning stretch of sand—coupled with a warm, cerulean sea—in the world. The fact that it's an Aman just makes it even better. Like all its counterparts around the world, the resort essentially disappears into the surroundings, but in the most luxurious way. For one, it's set far away from the (very busy) Eastern part of the island. And for two, the rooms are simple and pristine. Besides a great spa and excellent food, there's tennis, reef diving, and plenty of other thrills to fill the days.

On Costa Rica’s Pacific side—the drier side, FYI—the Andaz is a great landing spot for those seeking a chill pace and family-friendly amenities. Rooms have pebbled rainfall showers, floor-to-ceiling windows, and, depending on the floor, plunge pools or balconies overlooking the forest or bay. There are four restaurants; the highlight is Ostra, which features spins on traditional Costa Rican dishes like casado croquettes.

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.

This brand-spanking new, Belmond-owned hotel in Cusco can proudly say it has the only outdoor swimming pool in all the land (heated, of course) and, with the building having been so beautifully restored from the Colonial palace and convent it once was, you can relax in luxury. Private butlers are available at the touch of a button through each room's souped-up iPad. Those suffering from altitude sickness (Cusco soars a head-spinning 11,152 feet above sea level) can request their rooms be pumped with extra oxygen or gently scented with Andean flowers and herbs which are believed to wield healing powers. The property is walking distance to the main square of the city, which is rife with up-and-coming restaurants, museums, and inviting little shops.

If you're looking for a serene spot to gather your thoughts before climbing Machu Picchu, hiking Sacred Valley, or from which to explore historic Cusco, look no further than Inkaterra La Casona (it's built on ancient Inca training grounds, after all). It's a Relais & Châteaux hotel (the first in Peru), so even though it’s housed in a 16th century mansion, the five-star amenities—heated floors, an eco-conscious Yaku spa—are plentiful. The 11 guest rooms are strategically placed overlooking a private courtyard and done up in traditional Peruvian style (Colonial furnishings, handwoven tapestries). The house restaurant serves up traditional Peruvian delicacies and delicious breads. For breakfast, the eggs Benedict are made to order and the staff will gladly pack a to-go picnic if a day of sightseeing is on the agenda.

The main building could use a bit of sprucing up, but the resort is one of the largest, most-inclusive on the island and a reliable full-service option for families. (It's also just two hours from New York.) There’s a big focus here on kids activities and golf, and the course is pretty immaculate, with views of the water and towering coconut palms overhead. The rooms are standard and comfortable with balconies overlooking the beach and mellow, tropical patterns throughout.

Situated along Mexico's stunning Riviera Nayarit, this big-ish resort offers multiple pools, multiple private beaches, one of the Four Season's fabled clubs for kids, and access to some of Mexico's best snorkeling, scuba diving, and surfing. There's also whale watching in Banderas Bay and a great spa, as well as plenty of locally-sourced seafood and Mexican fare on the menu.

If the words “Cabo San Lucas” conjure visions of college kids doing tequila shots, let the words “One&Only Palmilla” replace those visions with palm trees, hummingbirds, and flowers the size of dinner plates. The property’s history goes back to 1956, when it served as a 15-room luxury escape for the president of Mexico. Since then, it’s been transformed into a 174-room resort with lush gardens, a pristine waterfront, top-notch service, and amenities that have their own amenities (everything from a welcome drink to turn-down service menus and personal butlers). And if you rent out one of the two private villas on the grounds, you get a whole team of personal butlers. And if that isn’t quite enough to send you running to the airport: The One&Only has one of the only swimmable beaches in Los Cabos, a spa featuring a shaman-led sweat lodge called a temazcal, and—if you’re planning a special occasion of the very special type—a historic chapel with panoramic views of the Sea of Cortez.

In general, if you want to visit the Galapagos Islands, you have to be prepared to live on a boat while you sail around to see the region's incredible treasures—either a giant cruise ship, or a smaller yacht. Understandably, there's minimal infrastructure in this ecologically-imperiled region, which makes this environmentally-conscious arrival on Santa Cruz Island particularly special. Every day, you'll set out for naturalist-led excursions, either on Pikaia's yacht, or by land, and then return to the resort at night, where you'll find a pool, a spa, and a handful of restaurants to choose from. While the lodge invites kids ages 12-and-up, they'll likely make exceptions if you have a curious young one on your hands, as long as they're aware that the days are long (and start early). It's essentially akin to being on safari.

Rosewood Mayakoba is a huge resort that’s very well run and well-manicured. You’re surrounded by water, with the Caribbean on one side and freshwater lagoons on the other, which you traverse by boat. (You can always get around by bike or hitch a ride on a golf cart.) The suites have private plunge pools, sun decks, and outdoor showers; they’re spacious and great for friends traveling together. By day, Zapote Bar is a chill spot for a drink; it really turns up at night. Be sure to book a spot at La Ceiba—a dining experience under a large Ceiba tree on the property’s 20,000-square foot garden, where hotel guests and staff dine together on a menu crafted from locally-sourced produce and regional wines and tequilas. But if you want to hole up at the spa every day of your visit, you wouldn’t be blamed—it’s a totally special space, housed on a private island overlooking limestone lagoons and offering up an extensive menu of Mayan-influenced spa treatments and rituals.

Round Hill has long been a landing spot for starlets and artists: Grace Kelly, Alfred Hitchcock, Ian Fleming, Oscar Hammerstein, the list goes on. The Kennedys took their honeymoon here. But it’s Ralph Lauren (he bought a home here in the ‘80s, and describes the property as Eden) who’s left an indelible mark on the place: He designed the rooms.

Right in the middle of the breathtaking Sacred Valley of the Incas lies the Sol y Luna lodge, a collection of color-happy luxury casitas spread out over beautiful gardens peppered with exquisite flowerbeds. We’re told this is the ideal base from which to go riding (on Peruvian Paso horses from the hotel's own stables), river rafting, trekking, or just simply wandering around the endless Inca ruins and villages dotted about. The Killa Wasi restaurant specializes in authentic Peruvian cuisine reimagined by Executive Chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffin using only the freshest, tastiest locally sourced ingredients.

Despite the name, the tropical rainforest this resort is set inside is the bigger draw. This is a place to come if you’re into guided tours through the forest led by local marine biologists, a bird sanctuary, bike paths, etc. Kids can hang out in the Iguana Club if they don't want to trek. It has all the upscale amenities you’d expect from a St. Regis property, including their signature butler service (they unpack your bags), a Remède Spa, an oceanfront golf course, and good food.

One you arrive to Sugar Beach, you won't really want to leave—and that's kind of the point. Flanked by St. Lucia's twin volcanic Pitons, the property, tucked away on the island's west coast, is set amongst 100 acres of rainforest (meaning hummingbirds and butterflies are par for the course). Admittedly, it's a bit of a journey to get here, whether you fly in from the north or the south of the island, the road is steep and windy, but it's well worth the hour-long-drive. The recently renovated colonial-style cottages are the move—they're perched on the hillside and have their own claw-foot tubs, terraces as big as New York apartments, and are swathed in entirely in white from the slipcovered furniture to the four-poster beds. Each room has a private plunge pool,if you’re feel too lazy to wander down to the Caribbean, but should you make the effort, it’s one of those resorts where the main activity is ordering piña coladas to your beach chair while taking in the epic view. The spa is a necessary indulgence here, as the seven treatment rooms are tucked into private thatched-roof tree houses, and are the perfect spot for a bamboo massage or hot rock therapy.

With unobstructed views of Umbria’s rolling hillside and access to chefs, drivers, stables, and tennis courts, Castello di Reschio is the epitome of secluded luxury. Count Antonio Bolza and his architecturally inclined family spent decades restoring this 2,700 acre estate to its former glory (the main castle and about 50 farmhouses date all the way back to 1202). The rentable cottages, palazzos, and for-sale villas are meticulously furnished with modern pieces and artful details designed by Italy’s top artisans. The infinity pool overlooks ancient mulberry tree groves and fragrant lavender fields. The Reschio vineyard is famous for producing rosés which, along with expertly-prepared, locally sourced meals, you can sample at the property’s private restaurant.

At barely a year old, this five-star Swiss chalet has already gained a pretty impressive reputation as one of the best new hotels in Europe. It takes no more than two hours to get here from Zurich or Milan, but the picturesque ski-town locale is just remote enough to feel worlds away. The “Asian-Alpine” vibe (wood-paneled walls, dim lighting, soaring ceilings) is the doing of architect Jean-Michel Gathy and feels refreshingly cool rather than overdone. Each of the 105 iPad-controlled rooms has its very own fireplace, cashmere throws, and a sprawling bath stocked with Aqua di Parma products. While it's obviously the ideal spot for skiing (and après-ski), snow-boarding, and other snow-centric activities, summertime in Andermatt has its own charms (hiking, golfing, fishing, cycling...) The spa—it’s more of a separate wellness compound, really—is home to Finnish saunas, a gorgeous swimming pool, steam baths, and a lengthy treatment menu. Stop by the massive humidor cheese room or wander the spectacular wine library before hitting up the larger of the two on-site eateries for a stellar assortment of traditional Asian, European, and Swiss fare (we hear the daily breakfast spread is no joke). The 40-seat sushi restaurant offers a deep Japanese beer menu to round out a meal of super fresh sushi, sashimi, and tempura.

The Four Seasons Megève offers all the trappings you'd expect from a Four Season's property (heated indoor/outdoor pool, an 18-hole golf course and, obviously, a ski concierge and valet) with the French Alps as its background. (Blessedly, it's also a bit removed from the hustle and bustle of nearby Courchevel). Each of the 55 rooms is thoughtfully considered, done up in dark wood, crisp linens, and heated floors in the bathroom, each one with its own stunning mountain views as well as ski-in/ski-out access to Mont d’Arbois. The concierge can set you up with a wide range of year-round activities, from golf and hiking in the spring, to skiing and dogsledding in the winter. Should you wish to venture outside of the hotel, Megève is a great place to explore and get your picturesque French village fix. Note the hotel is open from the beginning of December to April, and again from June to September.

Built in 1920, Gleneagles feels like the world's most sprawling manor house. The surrounding countryside, meanwhile, is 850 acres of pure rural bliss. There are pristine rivers teeming with trout, bridle paths, and long, meandering trails through untouched meadows for walking and biking (plus four golf courses that regularly host championship tournaments). But maybe the best thing to do (indoors or out) is to claim a cozy corner of the hotel’s Century Bar, a grand dining room with velvet banquettes and club chairs. It’s here you’ll find guests leafing through newspapers with a Scotch whisky in hand. Have at least one meal at Andrew Fairlie—the only restaurant in Scotland with two Michelin stars—known for its smoked lobster, an aromatic dish that incorporates a five-hour infusion over whisky barrel chips. Your other option is the Strathearn, a cavernous, chandelier-studded venue for old-school dinners (beef Wellington sliced tableside, flambéed crepes). Grab a nightcap afterward (or a predinner cocktail) at the elegant, David Collins–designed American Bar. It has glamour in spades: Walls are clad in lavender cashmere, and the menu is given mostly to champagne and caviar. Need we say more.

Originally built in 1891 in a beautiful, remote region of Norway, Hotel Union Øye is stunning in its own right: The historic inn has 30 guestrooms outfitted with antique tapestries and clawfoot tubs, a verdant conservatory restaurant, and lushly appointed common rooms, including a working library dedicated to mountaineering and exploration. But it’s the surrounding landscape—dramatic alpine peaks and a vast fjord—that makes this property breathtaking.

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.

Sister property to South Africa’s Babylonstoren, the Newt in Somerset is a country hotel on an 800-acre cider-making estate. The gorgeous limestone main house—the Hadspen—was originally built in the seventeenth century and remodeled for Georgian sensibilities in the next. Half a mile away in the Farmyard house, accommodations are a little more rustic, but still luxurious and considered. There’s a private cabin, too, built into the stone wall that surrounds the property. The restaurant menu features Babylonstoren wine and whatever is fresh picked from the garden, and the spa offers yoga, sound baths, a hammam, and a very cool indoor-outdoor pool.

When Ritz Paris opened in 2016 after four years of renovations—the first closure in the hotel’s storied history—loyalists appreciated that the designers kept the hotel’s charming, traditional style firmly intact (if a bit spruced up), down to the grand window treatments, gilded frames, and copious chandeliers. As ever, the rooms are exceptionally luxurious: Each is outfitted with a marble bathroom, generous windows, and famously soft sheets, with many boasting antique furnishings. The hotel is also home to three restaurants, two of which now have retractable glass ceilings on their patios: L’Espadon, for a traditional, white-tablecloth French dining experience, including breakfast and lunch; Bar Vendôme, a moody brasserie with red velvet booths; and the Ritz Bar, a more casual spot with shared plates and an Art Deco design palette. The hotel is home to a stunning fitness center—also available to private club members—where guests can swim laps in a gorgeous tiled pool or sign up for a day of pampering in the Chanel spa. But we’re probably most excited about the reopening of Bar Hemingway, the old author’s historic haunt that’s now famous for some of the world’s best cocktails.

Four Seasons Lanai is even more breathtaking in person: The championship golf course bumps up against steep ocean cliffs. There’s an observatory for guided stargazing and a lesson in traditional wayfinding—delightful for little ones. The Nobu and Malibu Farm on site are particularly thrilling if you’re a fan of outposts elsewhere. But perhaps what’s most notable is the sense of seclusion; the extra effort it takes to get here (by seaplane or ferry) pays off. The island’s second Four Seasons property, which lies inland, is recently reimagined as part of Oracle founder Larry Ellison’s wellness hospitality venture, Sensei.

One excellent hotel option—particularly for families, or anyone traveling with other couples—is the Lodge at Kukui'ula, a private club in Poʻipū that stretches across 1,010 acres, and was included in the 2025 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards Best Hawaiian Resorts. Comprised of multi-bedroom homes—most with adjacent guest houses—it has plenty of high-end touches and amenities. While all the homes are equipped with lavish kitchens, the club restaurant, ʻUmeke Kitchen + Bar is excellent, and serviced by an on-site garden. There's a multi-level pool complete with hot tubs, a water slide, and a beach (the real beach is just across the road), a keiki play room, and the on-site Huakaʻi Outfitters staffed by locals who know all the island's secrets—what's better is that they'll take you there, or pack you a cooler and bag of equipment and send you on your way. For those otherwise inclined, there is a Tom-Weiskopf-designed golf course, tennis courts, and the award-winning Hiʻilani Spa and Fitness Center, home to a gym, yoga studio, and more.

Before you set up camp by one of the resort’s retro-glam pools, be sure to explore the winding pathways and sprawling grounds of this desert oasis: You’ll find outdoor fire pits, hammocks, cricket courts, and the Gene Autry Villa (the cowboy crooner’s former residence is always available, for a sizable fee). Much like the rest of the property, each of the 131 guest rooms and 14 suites are decked out in color-happy accessories, geometric throw pillows, and other mid-century elements, courtesy of Jonathan Adler’s interior decor skills. The spa and its Moroccan-themed indoor pool (no kids allowed) are the ideal sanctuary for whiling away a rainy afternoon with the hotel’s signature Pimm’s Cup in hand.

Rosewood Miramar Beach is a bright, airy refresh of a property that dates back to 1876. There’s history here—it was formerly the storied Miramar by the Sea—and so much beauty and comfort you (almost) won’t want to leave the property. Guest rooms are done up in shades of cream and blue, and each has a private terrace with deck chairs made for lounging and ocean-gazing. If you’re coming with kids, go for a bungalow suite.

Those in the know agree that a trip to Utah isn’t complete without a stay at Sorrel River Ranch. Located right in the middle of dramatic cliff tops, this resort has farm-to-food plates, a great spa as well as national park walking, river rafting, off road touring, and family friendly activities. Check into one of the 55 wood-beamed suites and feast your eyes on dramatic views of the Colorado River. Or better yet, come with family and friends and stay at the 2,000-square-foot Ranch House.

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.

Since 1927, adventurous types who like to kick off their boots at the end of a long excursion have used this hotel (formerly known as the Majestic) as their base camp in Yosemite. Watch out for bears as you make your way to the park's main attractions like Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, or Glacier Point. When you've had your fill of the great outdoors, head indoors to a room in the lodge, many of which can be combined to accommodate big groups; they also have rustic cabins in the pines.

Aman resorts are known for impeccable service and some of the most stunning (and remote) locations in the world—no big surprise, but this one fits the mold perfectly. Set into a butte overlooking Jackson Hole and the Grand Tetons, it’s a pretty ideal venue for skiing, though during warmer months, it offers great hiking, rafting, and horseback riding, where you might happen upon deer, bald eagles, and even black bears. It also has an excellent spa. If you come in the summer, pack jeans, a cowboy hat, and boots for horseback riding, along with hiking boots and river gear. Because the views of the Rocky mountains and the plains below are the focal point, all 40 suites are decorated in neutral tones that won’t distract you from the outdoors. Along with decks and outdoor seating, each suite features a daybed in the bedroom, and a soaking tub that’s positioned next to floor-to-ceiling windows. Don’t skip out on the heated outdoor infinity pool overlooking the surrounding plains. Keep in mind that Amangani is also within striking distance of Yellowstone National Park.

Kids will go nuts for this hip, affordable, inn-like spot in South Lake Tahoe, and for good reason: You’ll find forest wallpaper, fake campfires, tented beds, Coleman-style lanterns, steel bunk beds and... Xboxes. Each of the 50 rooms has a different look, but they all revolve around a cabin-like theme—with plenty of modern (and eco) flourishes. The emphasis is on shared experiences here, as many of the rooms come with bunks, and you’re encouraged to mingle with the other guests at communal dinners, the fire pits, and in the rooftop hot tub. Rooms start at $89 a night, which tends to attract a younger crowd. Definitely pack ski gear, as it’s a few short paces to the Heavenly Gondola; and a Swiss army knife, for hikes, adventures, and getting lost (a “Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook” comes with every room).

With a coveted location right by Jackson’s tram, Caldera House has just eight suites, each with two or four bedrooms. It’s worth noting that nothing comes cheap here—during peak season, four-bedroom suites go for upwards of $20,000 per night. But if you’re traveling with a couple of families and would have rented a house in the area, the location alone makes it a compelling option. Coveted amenities don’t hurt, either: namely valet parking, which is otherwise nonexistent here. The team here keeps a low profile, and you won’t see much of them if you’re not seeking out their (excellent) services; they can set up a day of heli-skiing, a sleigh ride through the National Elk Refuge, or naturalist-guided snowshoeing through the Tetons.

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.

Occupying a long-abandoned ghost town in the Colorado Rockies, this luxe spin on a dude ranch offers everything you'd expect from a trip to the mountains. You can go on long trail rides, fly fish in the Dolores, or hike, mountain bike, or mountain climb (for those truly vertically inclined). They also offer white water rafting and archeological day trips to the desert. All the activity is met with welcoming luxury back home in camp, whether you're staying in a log cabin, a perma-tent, or a tipi. You'll find cozy beds outfitted with high-thread count sheets and Pendleton blankets, fireplaces, and a well-appointed spa. Obviously, there's a saloon, and plenty of barbecue, too.

Sprawled out over 20 acres of woods on the outskirts of the park (not nearly as touristy as the center), Evergreen isn’t so much a hotel as it is a cluster of adorably rustic cabins surrounding a communal main plaza...kind of like summer camp. You can easily daytrip down to Yosemite Valley, but with a pool, pop-up BBQs, two restaurants, an old-timey general store, and a slew of throwback activities (outdoor film screening, s’mores, bingo) offered right on property, you might not want to ever leave. There’s even a youth program to keep little ones occupied.

Located on the other end of the Going to the Sun Road on the eastern edge of the park, this is inarguably one of our favorite hotels in the world. There are few amenities—the towels are more like washcloths and you won’t find fancy shampoo in the shower—but the Alpen-themed lodge, which dates back to 1915, sits on the edge of the surreally beautiful, glacial Swiftcurrent Lake. While rooms here tend to book up far in advance, it’s a sprawling place, and if you’re persistent, something usually opens up. The food is not going to blow your socks off, but it’s pretty much the only option, and after a long day of hiking, it’s totally sufficient. You can leave from here, on foot, for a handful of the park’s best hikes, including Grinnell Glacier and Iceberg Lake, though the lodge lobby, complete with a gigantic fireplace, is a nice place to read away the better part of an afternoon, too. Like with all the Glacier lodges, there are no TVs in the rooms, and there’s no cell service throughout the park, making this one of the few places where you can truly check out.

Just 40-minutes east of Missoula, we came to affectionately call this 37,000-acre spread Montanaland: Paws Up is a bit like a theme park set against some truly majestic country. There's ATV-ing, go-carts, a gun range, archery, paintball, a kids camp (where they took the kiddos on a legitimate hike), horses galore, plus ample opportunity to river raft, fly fish, and work a cattle drive. The on-site spa is excellent, the food is good, and the accommodations—which range from log cabin homes to tented yurts perched on a cliff above the Blackfoot river—will leave little doubt in your mind that this is the West. The only real drawback is that it's not all-inclusive, which can make it harder to completely disconnect. Ultimately, though, it's kid heaven, where blessedly, iPads probably won't come out of the suitcase. Every morning brought new adventures, and by the end of the day they were ready to pass out in front of the fire.

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.

Built in 1909, The Stanley was famously the inspiration for The Shining, and the hotel plays right into its reputation, offering a “night spirit tour” that features dark corners of the property where paranormal activity has been recorded. If you can get past the haunted element, it really is by far the nicest place to stay in Estes Park, especially if travelling with kids. Plus, it’s only a few miles from the park entrance, and a partnership with Kent Mountain Adventure Center means you can actually book guided hikes and other park activities along with your room. For the littles (and the grown-ups), there’s snowshoeing, back-country and cross country skiing in winter, while in the summer the hiking and wildlife viewing is just out of this world.

While we couldn’t be bigger fans of the Montage Deer Valley, the St. Regis is a great option too, with tons of bells and whistles—from their signature butler service to a funicular that brings guests from the valet to the main lobby. Kids love the big swimming pool, and the fire pits on the terrace, where you can roast s’mores under the astonishingly starry sky. For parents, their impeccable service makes planning activities and getting around the town incredibly easy.

Nestled at the base of Snowmass and fully ski-in/ski-out, The Viceroy is one of the best stays for families coming to the Aspen area. Ski valet, spacious multi-bedroom suites with full kitchens, and in-room washer/dryers take the stress out of gearing up for ski school. There’s also full-time childcare available on site and a heated outdoor pool that stays open year-round, making it easy to keep little ones entertained off the slopes. Adults have plenty to enjoy too. This winter, the hotel debuts Lift Line—a lively, slope-side après and dining spot —serving hearty tavern favorites like a signature double cheeseburger and creamy tomato soup. Cocktails, craft beers, and fireplace lounges give the grown-up set their own version of mountain relaxation. New additions at the Snowmass base area, including Elk Camp Sixpack and the Cirque T-Bar, make the Viceroy an even more convenient launch point for exploring the mountain all day long.

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.

Blackberry Farm’s sister resort, Blackberry Mountain, is the brand’s wellness-focused concept. And every aspect of the experience here is supportive of those ends. The culinary program (fantastic) is rooted in nourishing, farm-fresh meals. Activities center around mindfulness, from meditative watercolor and forest bathing to trail running and ropes courses. Guests stay in stony cottages, intimate treehouses, and multi-bedroom homes, which are clutch if you’re coming with friends. And the Joanna Czech–certified spa, the Nest, offers facials with cult-status skin care, like Biologique Recherche and Augustinus Bader.

This oceanside resort, complete with tennis courts, spa, and a fleet of charter boats, has been around for over a century and luckily, the main house has retained its understated glamour even after several updates. Whether you’re staying in the original main house or the newer stand-alone cottages or spa suites, the vibes are distinctly Cape Cod, with huge paned windows (a good chunk of the rooms have ocean views), plush beds, and shades of blue. The property is operational year-round and the deserted beach (the hotels sits on a private stretch) and ample roaring fireplaces make it an unforgettable stay off-season.

Perched on a hilltop overlooking the ocean, this historic, Victorian hotel was rescued from demolition in 2005 and lovingly restored by husband-and-wife team, Charles and Deborah Royce. In just a few years, it’s become one of the East Coast’s most favored retreats, thanks to its modern rooms, water views, cabanas, surf lessons, and fleet of yachts. The seafood-centric, on-site restaurant, Verandah—which overlooks Naragansett Bay and the Atlantic—is great, too, making for a pretty classic seaside stay. There's a lot for kids, including a kids-club if you want some alone time.

This historic landmark hotel sits on a sprawling expanse right on the Nantucket harbor. Each of the plush rooms, suites, and cottages are light and airy with elegant beachy touches. Most have a fireplace, which makes them nicely cozy for off-season stays. You can sunbathe on the lawn, or head to a nearby beach (they’ll provide the beach chairs, towels, and kids toys should you need them), or better yet, hire a Barton & Gray yacht from the hotel’s dock. The hotel is known for Brant Point Grill (the seafood is excellent), along with its spa, but if you want to get out and go to town, they provide a car service. Bring your kids! This is a family oriented hotel that provides babysitting service referrals, DVDs for little ones, a kids menu at the restaurant, and an “adventure guide” and beach toys at check-in.

The Okavango Delta is one of the most beautiful wildlife habitats in the world. Right in the heart of this wetland paradise lies Little Vumbura, a six-room camp nestled in lush greenery. The property is understated yet thoughtfully appointed with a plunge pool, star deck, and comfortable dining area—perfect for families or honeymooners. Ideally situated for elephant, lion, and hippo sighting, the little island is an animal-lover’s paradise. With your knowledgable guide in tow, you can approach the plentiful game by traditional canoe (mokoro) as well as by motor boat and 4x4. During the wet season, when the waters are high, the campgrounds can only be accessed by boat. It’s truly as authentic as it gets.

If ever there was a word to describe the fusion of glamping and safari, “San Camp” would most definitely be it. The retro-tinged tented camp is on the edge of the Makgadikgadi salt pans in the Kalahari desert in Botswana. Recently refurbished, San Camp evokes a feeling of Morocco meeting India in the African desert. Leave the serene comfort of your spacious sleeping quarters and venture into the grand mess tent, where decadent culinary masterpieces are served family style. Explore the salt pans by quad bike in the day or spend time with the meerkats. At night, soak up the retro-chic atmosphere in the warm glow of paraffin lanterns. Here, solar energy is the main source of power.

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).

Sitting in what is known as the Southern Alps, this New Zealand resort truly makes you feel like you've reached the edge of the earth. While you could sit and stare at the view all day, Queenstown adventures beckon, making this a really good choice if you have teens. You can take heli tours of the glaciers, bungee jump, mountain bike, or hike—and then round out your busy days with delicious meals by the fire.

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.

Hailed as the Galapagos Islands of Australia, we've heard that Kangaroo Island—and more specifically, the Southern Ocean Lodge—are insane. Cantilevered out over the ocean, not only are the views epic, but you get to take them in while drinking some of Southern Australia's best wines—and after a day spent with seals, kangaroos, and any number of aquatic creatures. There's sea kayaking, hiking, and an on-site spa, with a mile-long menu of indulgences. While we can imagine checking in for a full week, this seems like a great add-on to a city adventure in Sydney.

This sustainability-minded, hyper-luxe hotel-slash-campsite nestled into the stunning UNESCO Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Reserve is one of those once-in-a-lifetime experience. The team does everything for you, from picking you upon arrival via a floatplane to catering to every hospitality need when you're staying in your own private–and lavish–safari-style tent. The daily activities are seemingly endless, from hiking to horseback riding to salmon fishing–all of which leave you hungry and even more appreciative of the decadent, local, chef-prepared meals served daily. There's even a spa on location, offering restorative massages and yoga.

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.

With the rolling waves of the Pacific Ocean out front, a dense rainforest in the back, and jagged cliffs or beaches on either side, family-owned hotel The Wickaninnish Inn is about as close to nature as you can get without pitching a tent among the pine trees. Though overused, in the context of its driftwood-dotted interiors, ample fireplaces (there’s one in every room), and on-site woodcarving shed, “rustic” is by far the best adjective for describing the inn’s warm, welcoming personality. For storm chasers, observation points to take in the drama from a comfortable distance are scattered throughout the property, including the guestrooms, where floor-to-ceiling windows, overstuffed chairs, and binoculars are worked into the minimalist décor for that very purpose. (For those hell-bent on experiencing some weather first hand, each room comes with rain gear and wellies). Best of all, you can get a view from the top before you even step foot on the grounds by hopping on a seaplane over from the mainland.

One of Denver’s most historic hotels, The Crawford is located within Union Station (built 1881), aesthetically an impressive combination of opulent luxury and old-world charm. From ornately carved wood furnishings to plush, luxe linens, the accommodations here are top of the line, and from here you’ve got direct access to several highly recommended eateries, cafés, and bars—try the coffee at Pigtrain in the morning, and pop into their bar, The Cooper Lounge, for a proper cocktail. Guests have access to their fitness center, spa, and salon, the Oxford Club, for indulgent massages, decadent body treatments, and a full-blown cut-and-color by their in-house experts. Aside from its status as a historical landmark, its central location—and the main hall’s popularity as “Denver’s living room”—makes this glorious institution a must-see, even if you aren’t staying as a guest (and if you come into town via The Train to the Plane, you’ll likely pass it by on your way in and out of town).

Opened in 2010, the Four Seasons is one of downtown Denver's tallest buildings, with 24 floors of hotel space at the base and several floors of condos at the top—it's important to ask for a West-facing room here, because you'll be all but guaranteed gorgeous views of the mountains in the distance (and an excellent show if you happen to be around at sunset). The luxe accommodations offer everything you'd expect from any Four Seasons, but what really sets this location apart is the spa, decorated with stones and sleek wood and inarguably one of Denver's best places for treatments. There's also a fully outfitted gym that overlooks a rooftop pool—and since Denver gets 300 days of sun a year, you'll be able to use it more often than you'd imagine.

Hotel Teatro, so-named for its location around the corner from the Buell Theatre (Denver's major performance venue), is located in one of LoDo's oldest buildings. Key architectural details from the building's original construction as a mansion for the Evans family, like pink and green marble flooring and marble wainscoting, are fully intact. Though the original upgrade was in 1997, the 110 rooms, plus the lobby and bar, enjoyed an update a few years ago, and though the rooms run a bit on the small side—we recommend Teatro for couples and singles more than families—they're well turned out with marble bathrooms, leather headboards, and crisp white linens. The downstairs restaurant, the Nickel, is a great place to grab a drink before seeing a show.

This Limelight Hotel was created by Denverites who recognized the city's lack of hotels that offered good design. With mountain-inspired interiors that aren't at all kitschy—think plaid throw pillows; mid-century furniture and light fixtures; and custom millwork for the walls and beds—Limelight Hotel is a pretty elegant solution. The hotel itself is a block from the restaurants and buzz of Union Station and the city's recently opened fast-track rail line to the airport, and in the halls, you'll find artwork from local Denver artists curated by Adam Lerner, the director of nearby MCA Denver. While the hotel is a major win for out-of-towners, locals are most excited about Ajax Downtown, the first-floor restaurant.

Basta's location is admittedly random (it's off Arapahoe in an otherwise unassuming apartment complex with an open patio that's very much secluded from the street), but that's part of what makes it so great. The elegant yet casual restaurant, which specializes in pizza baked on-site in an extremely hot oven, is helmed by chef Kelly Whitaker, also of Cart-Driver and one of the area's most promising up-and-comers. Though the pizza is year-round, Whitaker's ingredients are constantly changing to accommodate Boulder farmers and whatever they have in stock—expect great contorni, a few good salads, and piada bread—a puffed-up bread Whitaker bakes on-site and tops with burrata. The wine program, which is run by Frasca alum Alan Henkin, is more than worthy of a menu this good.

Chef Hosea Rosenberg (Top Chef season five champ) debuted Blackbelly first as a catering company, with a focus on local, organic ingredients. Since the 2011 launch, Rosenberg's larger vision for Blackbelly has been realized with the addition of a restaurant, butcher shop, and market. The restaurant serves dinner daily; the menu highlights the fresh butcher offerings and their impressive charcuterie spread. Blackbelly's happy hour, 4-6pm every day—oysters included—is noteworthy. Next to the restaurant, the expert, whole-animal butcher counter is open every day except for Sunday, and also serves breakfast and lunch on the weekdays—from egg-and-tater-tot burritos to bone broth and BBQ pulled pork sandwiches.

The second restaurant from restaurateur Kelly Whitaker, Cart-Driver occupies an unimaginably tiny shipping container tucked into a cozy corner of RiNo. Like at Basta, his restaurant in Boulder, Whitaker specializes in perfect-crust pizza, and here, the only other menu items to distract you are fresh oysters and a small handful of appetizers. There's a lovely patio and simple, all-you-need cocktail list, plus prosecco on tap, so it makes a great happy hour spot when you want to do a bit of snacking. (That said, they're open until midnight every night.)

A relative newcomer to Denver’s taco scene, Dos Santos is among the best: Whether you choose their grilled steak, slow-roasted pork, or chicken tinga tacos, you won’t be disappointed. Our favorite is the O.M.F.G., a bib lettuce-wrapped offering filled with raw tuna, lime cilantro aioli, pickled onion, avocado, and cabbage. (Their guacamole is just as inspired: If you’re so inclined, you can try it with fresh fruit and bacon, or with pumpkin seed, nopal, and roasted tomatillos.) Cement floors, exposed brick, and colorful chairs add to the taqueria’s charm—as does a nice selection of local and Mexican beers, plus amazing margaritas.

This bistro has been in the neighborhood for a decade, making it a LoHi mainstay. Over the years, the upscale (but relaxed) restaurant has maintained more than 40 local partners, who make their farm-to-table commitment possible—and ensure their seasonal menu continues to impress with selections that range from crispy cauliflower with stewed red lentils to country ham carpaccio to “chicken & waffles” (chicken liver mousse on a brown butter waffle with date chutney and pickled shallot). Note: The small space is reliably packed, so it’s good to make a reservation.

Founded by French Laundry alums Lachlan Mackinnon-Patterson (chef) and Bobby Stuckey (MS), Frasca has been Boulder’s culinary gem for 20 years. It’s no secret, either: Frasca has been lauded since its opening and has collected three James Beard Awards (for its chef, hospitality, and wine program) and a Michelin star. We recommend the seven-course tasting menu, which showcases the Friulian cuisine they’re known for. Stuckey's wine list, which includes more than 200 varieties, is a major part of the appeal here.

Named after chef Troy Guard (and his daughter, Grace), this 9,000-square-foot space tucked into the street level of the fifty-six-floor CenturyLink Tower is home to the best steaks in the city. Bright, airy, and sleek, with just enough touches of warmth to keep it from being too corporate, Guard & Grace offers everything we’d want from a modern steakhouse: elevated, fresh seafood (plus a raw bar), amazing charcuterie, perfect martinis, and of course, local grass-fed cuts of beef offered in 4 to 22 oz. portions. There’s no official dress code, but it is definitely dressed-up for Denver.

Most people choose not to dwell on the fact that the building Linger occupies was a former mortuary called Olinger's—the "O" on the neon sign had long been busted, and the restaurateurs chose the name of their "eatuary" accordingly. Right in the middle of all the action of LoHi's busiest street, the restaurant has two levels: a dining room downstairs, and a more casual rooftop patio upstairs. The street-food-inspired menu highlights a few different cuisines, with dishes like a falafel lettuce wrap alongside Vietnamese surf 'n turf and a masala dosa. For a casual vibe fitting of the food (or a great happy hour), we actually prefer the second floor, which features a bar housed in a refurbished VW bus and beautiful views of downtown Denver.

This spot, on the eastern edge of the newly renovated Union Station building downtown, is part white-tablecloth restaurant and part takeaway market. The sit-down portion serves a roughly Italian menu (caramelized potato gnocchi, parsnip tortellini, burrata with beets and citrus confit) with a few American menu items thrown in (broccoli cheddar soup, crispy chicken with vegetable pot pie) in a dining room that features Union Station's signature high ceilings and tall windows that look out onto the plaza. In the takeaway section, you'll find a deli counter with imported cheeses and sliced-to-order prosciutto, plus pastries, a coffee bar, and office-lunch-style sandwiches and salads—including an Italian sandwich that's in the running for Denver's best.

In a neighborhood that's known for glitzy steakhouses and sometimes overpriced fine dining, this straightforward Italian spot is a welcome respite (and makes for an excellent lunch pit stop when you're in the area for a day of shopping). The interior is clean and warm, with exposed brick and fresh flowers in the entry, and the service is always excellent. The menu is inspired by Northern Italy, with great pizzas and pastas that they make in-house, plus some solidly filling salad options like a Tuscan kale with grapes and apples, and a seasonal vegetable chop with butternut squash and brussels sprouts.

Like many of the breakout chefs and sommeliers in the area, Steven Redzikowski (chef) and Bryan Dayton (somm) came up under Bobby Stuckey and Lachlan Mackinnon-Patterson at Frasca Food & Wine before breaking out on their own, and their mini-empire now includes two restaurants—Oak in Boulder, and Acorn in Denver. The menu at Oak—which is their original spot—is decidedly new American, with sophisticated but accessible dishes like a Boulder-roasted chicken with butternut squash gnocchi, a scallop risotto with satsuma oranges and paprika, and a sweet fennel sausage (served with peppers and arugula) that they make in-house. Oak is right on the corner of 14th and Pearl Street, so it's the perfect place for a restful lunch while you're exploring downtown, though it's plenty dressed up for a date night out, too.

An offshoot of Bobby Stuckey and Lachlan Mackinnon-Patterson's beloved Frasca (in fact, it's right next door), Pizzeria Alberico brings the founders' skills to the humble pizza—and to great acclaim. Here, pies come out of the super-hot oven in the back at warp speed, and prosciutto is sliced-to-order behind the bar on a gleaming red machine that looks more like it belongs in a Ferrari dealership than behind a deli counter. While you won't get out of here without a pizza (they do a great gluten-free version, but we wouldn't recommend skimping on the real stuff to anyone but the truly allergic), the antipasti dishes, like a ridiculous fennel salad and perfectly crispy arancini, make worthy openers. P.S. They deliver.

Located north of Park Hill in a neighborhood where there aren't many other restaurants, the Plimoth feels a little off the beaten path, and since the interior is cozy and dimly lit, that has the effect of making it feel a little romantic, too. The menu (which changes frequently depending on what's available) is a French/Italian hybrid that makes great use of adventurous vegetables in dishes like a cracklin' chicken with red corn polenta, apple, mushroom, rutabaga, celeriac, and butternut squash; a pork loin with clams, broccolini, and yellow-eye beans; and pavlova made with preserved Colorado cherries.

Root Down is a neighborhood joint dedicated to providing ethically sourced and properly prepared health food. Brunch is pretty hard to beat on Saturday and Sunday mornings, and they also have a great raw food night on the first Tuesday of each month—a four-course raw, vegan, gluten-free dinner, crafted by raw-food-certified chef Daniel Asher. Any other day, there is ample gluten and dairy on the menu, though things stay relatively vegetable-centric. We love the baby beet salad, burger sliders with jalapeño jam, and the rack of lamb (sourced from just a few miles away). Pro tip: There’s a second location in Concourse C at the airport with a solid takeaway fridge.

This Denver institution is known primarily for brunch, in part because of their signature bacon Bloody Marys (served with bacon-infused vodka), and their big, open patio, which always seems to be buzzing and full. That said, their comfort-food menu, which is subtly southern, is great all day long, as the breakfast dishes bleed into dinner: We recommend the traffic jam, an egg dish that comes with green chili cheese fries, sausage gravy, and bacon (and removes all traces of any hangover); the chicken and waffles; and the nightly blue-plate specials. Make sure to get an order of the sinfully good Steubie snacks, their special version of puppy chow (for the uninitiated: Chex Mix coated in peanut butter, chocolate, and powdered sugar).

Filled with houseplants, open-air in the summer, and entirely whitewashed save for warm wood stools, chairs, and benches, Stowaway is easily one of the most pleasant dining spaces in Denver. The best part: The food doesn't disappoint. Everything's healthy-ish, with vegetable-focused dishes like the kale, squash, and farro salad, and a butternut squash and spinach sandwich with hard-boiled egg and pickled beetroot, plus the cheekily named killer whale granola and a warming chai-spiced porridge. There's a great coffee bar where locals pick up takeaway meals (you can order online so they're ready when you arrive), and they're closed Tuesdays—adorably, for adventure.

Given the sleek decór and considering how difficult it (still) is to get a reservation, it's hard to imagine that Sushi Den first opened its doors back in 1985. The interior is dark and moody, with a miles-long menu of fresh fish flown in from the Tokyo markets, plus warm Japanese dishes like udon noodles, hot pots, and dumplings. Chef/owner Toshi has now built a mini-empire on the residential street corner, with an izakaya spot and a more casual raw bar that are both equally great.

This quiet sushi destination right off downtown discreetly serves some of the freshest fish in town. The interior is sleek and calming, and the vibe is unpretentious—it works for date night, as well as a quick lunch during the work week. There's an intimate bar space with a TV downstairs that gets lively at happy hour.

Tommy Lee's noodle shop in LoHi has been packed since it opened, and for good reason: The small restaurant’s take on traditional Japanese ramen is top-notch, prepared with long-simmered broths, custom-made noodles, and responsibly raised meat and fish. The menu is small but varied—in addition to the ramen, you’ll find offerings like their Brussels sprout salad with coconut, orange, lemongrass, and spicy cashew, plus their buns selection, which includes pork belly with hoisin, cucumber, scallion, and fried green tomato variations. (There are vegetarian options, too.) If you can't brave the crowds for a table, keep in mind that they also do takeout.

The Verde kitchen got its start in 2010 on wheels, when some friends from Arizona wanted to bring the Sonoran-style Mexican food they missed to Boulder in the form of a food truck. (Around this time, they adopted the motto “Work Hard. Be Nice. Eat Burritos.”) After years of success, they finally expanded to a brick and mortar location, which sells the same great tacos and burritos, plus chile rellenos, fajitas, and best of all, a menu of margaritas.

Truly a neighborhood bar, West End Tavern has been around for decades—though you wouldn't know it from the updated décor. Everything about the place is as inviting and warm as you might hope: The menu is full of genuinely delicious comfort food, from sautéed greens and deviled eggs to burgers to roast-pork sandwiches and shrimp po’ boys, plus some seriously good barbecue. Of course, the bar has craft cocktails, more than seventy-five bourbons to choose from, and a draft and bottled beer line-up that really showcases Colorado’s craft beer culture. There’s indoor and outdoor rooftop seating with some of the best views in the area, and this is also a great place to watch a Buffs game.

Work & Class is named to represent its simple ethos, which is their goal to provide a “square meal, stiff drink, and fair price.” And really, that kind of undersells it—the Southern–Latin American menu from chef Dana Rodriguez is full of inventive small plates from bacon-wrapped jalapeños, shrimp and grits, and chickpea croquettes to salads like their “massive attack” (tempura broccoli, asparagus, avocado, spinach, cucumbers, parmesan) to substantial meat and fish offerings like whole fried Idaho trout and cochinita pibil. Designed inside some re-purposed shipping containers, the restaurant is small, always packed, and pretty loud and lively.

Think of Avanti as a grown-up mess hall: seven distinct dining options are packed into one large, industrial, split-level space, which range from a shawarma joint to a spot where you can pick up a pan-fried trout sandwich and grits to a pizzeria with surprising variety. But this is really more of a watering hole first, where you can choose from one of twenty draft beers or opt for a cocktail, and choose a spot in their lounge, indoor dining area, or spacious rooftop deck. Because of its views, Avanti really shines when it’s warm and you can take advantage of the outdoor stadium-style seating.

Jonathan Power (The Populist; Crema Coffee House) and Koan Goedman (Huckleberry Roasters) teamed up to open Bar Fausto, a cocktail/charcuterie spot in Denver's River North Art District (RiNo) in 2015. Now Gold Point, the open 2,000-square foot bar is a fun take on an industrial space—a white cinder block wall is painted with strips of vibrant colors; the blue host stand looks like it was lifted out of a hip lobby hotel. The focus here, the large, modern bar, serves an expanding list of specialty cocktails—which are known by numbers (#42, #43, and so on) as opposed to name. There's also a tight selection of beer and wine to choose from. While Gold Point is more bar than restaurant, on the food side, there's antipasti items, cheese and salami, salads, crudo, bruschetta, plus a couple of more substantial plates if you come hungrier.

The Bitter Bar is laid-back Boulder's slightly dressed-up version of the cocktail lounge—although it's by no means formal. The bartenders are fun and inviting, and they serve some of the best drinks in town. They've got a few a mainstay cocktails on tap, a signature list, and some really quality brews that you're not likely to see elsewhere.

True to form, this new clandestine Cherry Creek speakeasy isn’t easy to spot from the street—you have to walk down an alley between Second and Third Avenue before you find a nondescript sign that just reads “Stair 3.” There’s a gold Art Deco doorbell that gives a better indication of what greets you in the basement beneath: a sophisticated cocktail menu from Brendon Wise, the beverage director of Sage Hospitality (the group that owns the adjacent hotel B&GC, The Halcyon); a dark space (but well-lit bar), cognac leather booths, and more gold Art Deco flourishes. Drinks like Aviatrix (Plymouth gin, sparkling rose, plus other good stuff), New Money (Bourbon, smoked vermouth, amaro, house bitters), and tight-lipped bartenders await. It's also worth noting that the stylish Halcyon Hotel is a decent (new) option if you have business or friends in Cherry Creek—there aren’t too many options nearby.

A Union Station highlight, the sophisticated Cooper Lounge is located on the mezzanine level of the renovated transit hub. Its balcony set-up is good for people watching into Union Station's Great Hall, and on the opposite side, you can look out onto Downtown Denver beyond Cooper's stunning arched windows. The upscale cocktail list and throwback-glam space feels celebratory in nature.

With more microbreweries per capita than anywhere else in the country, it's no surprise that Denver's bar scene is dominated by beer gardens. Conveniently located on Platte Street (to get there from Downtown you'll cross over the lovely Confluence Park), Denver Beer Company has a big open patio that's lively without being rowdy, particularly on sunny weekend afternoons. Dogs are allowed, and they usually have a food truck pulled up in case you'd like to snack while you drink. The menu usually has a mix of old standards and seasonals, but we're partial to their signature Graham Cracker Porter, which is available year-round.

Tommy Lee from Denver's popular noodle bar, Uncle, named his second spot in honor of Denver's original Chinatown—Hop Alley's small, creative food menu takes cues from a range of Taiwanese, Cantonese, Sichuan, and Hunan flavors. We like to come for drinks most, though—the cocktails are likewise inventive: In addition to their original concoctions, Hop Alley puts their own spin on classics—like an old fashioned served with amaro, madeira wine, and smoked tea. The eclectic beer/wine list matches suit.

This is the oldest still-operating bar in Denver, and it's famously the place where Jack Kerouac used to hang out here when he lived in Denver (an experience he wrote about extensively in On the Road). Basically, it's been in this location since long before LoHi became a trendy area to live and work. The inside is dark and cozy, and especially comforting on wintry nights. The menu's nothing special (this place is really about the ambiance), but we recommend snacking on popcorn from the popcorn machine in the back corner (an affordable 50 cents for a basket) and ordering a hot dog, which comes with a full bar cart with all the fixings you could want. Photos: pjroldan

It's easy for speakeasy's to feel gimmicky, but not so at Williams & Graham, where you'll walk through an old bookcase to get to the intimate bar. The cocktails here are delicate and thoughtful, and while that's definitely what they're best known for (bartender Sean Kenyon has been internationally recognized for his program), the food holds up—particularly the burger, which comes topped with port salut and caramelized onions.

It will surprise nobody that Boulder's farmers' market is excellent—and the real-life experience completely delivers on what you'd imagine, as you'll find everyone from moms serving gluten-free granola to people selling vegetables to an old-school beekeeper who's been selling honey sticks to generations of Boulder kids. In the fall, you'll also find gorgeous peaches from Western Colorado. For travelers who aren't interested in a full haul of produce, check out the prepared foods area, where there's live music on Saturday mornings, and a beer garden on Wednesdays (the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art is right here, too, for a cultural diversion). Favorite vendors include The Orange Tent (order the eggs benedict over rice and the iced chai), Amazing Corn Tamales, and Tres Pupusas.

This cool coffee shop was an early comer to RiNo, and it's still a reliable neighborhood caffeine-pump all week long—you'll always find people typing away on laptops, or local artists and business owners getting together for meetings (particularly in the summer, when you can sit on a lovely outdoor patio). They're known for great coffee, but it's a mistake to skip the food here, particularly the brunch—we love the sweet potato waffles, the pork belly banh mi sandwich, and the everything cookie, which is packed with Oreos and pretzels.

This local coffee roaster began without a brick and mortar shop open to the public, but soon expanded into this flagship space thanks in part to a successful Kickstarter campaign. True to their creed, you’ll find some seriously good coffee inside, as well as a comfortable, bright space with colorful accents and outdoor seating. If you’re interested, you can also sign up to take one of their coffee workshops, which are designed to teach everything from brew methods and extraction basics to milk steaming to sensory evaluation.

It's nearly impossible to miss Little Man, not only because of the line that snakes around the block, but because it's housed in a two-story silver milk carton. The mix of flavors here is delightfully all over the board, with nostalgia-inducing fluffernutter and whopper malt alongside strawberry balsamic and Earl Grey—though, in our not-so-unbiased opinion, you're doing it wrong if you don't get the famous salted Oreo. Regulars know that when the lines get unbearably long in the summer, you can fast-track by ordering from one of two small stands that they set up on the sidewalk, which offer a smaller selection of flavors (almost always including salted Oreo).

Pete Marczyk is something of a hero to Denver foodies. His tiny, long-standing, homegrown grocery store stocks locally grown produce, imports the very best cheeses (plus a selection of great local options), and bakes their own breads, but Marczyk is probably best known for being one of the area's finest butchers, as he does everything in-house and flies in gorgeous cuts of fish. The deli section has excellent sandwiches and delicious pre-made foods, and on weeknights in the summer (check the calendar) they grill hamburgers on the sidewalk outside. There's a second location up the street, too.

This cute little coffee shop first opened on Navajo in the center of a residential neighborhood, offering table space for workers, a small-but-perfect menu of snacks like yogurt and granola or pastries, and tons of natural light streaming in through wide windows in the front. Expect perfectly roasted Boxcar espresso in the hands of expert baristas.

Culinarily—and culturally—speaking, The Source is probably one of the most important developments Denver's seen in the past few years. Occupying a spacious former brick foundry, it's packed with some of the best restaurants and food vendors in town, and topped off with a few office spaces (Slow Food makes their Denver headquarters here), so depending on when you arrive, you'll see people going out for drinks or dinner, doing their daily shopping, or heading to work. Right when you walk in, you'll find Comida, a Mexican spot with a great happy hour and tacos, and Acorn, the Denver restaurant from Oak owner/chef Steven Redzikowski that's easily one of Denver's top fine dining establishments. There, ask for a seat in the mezzanine, which has beautiful views of the mountains during the day. People drive from across town for the baguettes and ciabatta at Babette's bakery, and you can see cuts of meat hanging through the plexiglass from her next-door neighbor, Western Daughters Butcher. Across the way, there's a small-but-mighty art gallery, Svper Ordinary, and Mondo Market, where you can pick up spices, oils, vinegars, and other pantry items. Meanwhile, in the back, Crooked Stave Brewery pours drafts of their unique sour Belgian beers. Other notables include Boxcar coffee roasters in the center of the space, Beet & Yarrow (for stunning flower arrangements), and Proper Pour (for locally made wine and spirits).

This quirky spot on South Broadway makes their own ice cream on site (using local Colorado dairy, no less), and they're known for great, quirky flavors like Stranahan's whiskey brickle, Vietnamese coffee, and champagne and strawberries. They've been on South Broadway for years, and though they don't have another location, you can find their ice cream in many of the smaller groceries around town. Their vegan ice cream is excellent, also.

Everything in this family-run, neighborhood LoHi café is amazing, from their breakfast pastries (prepared fresh on-site each morning, they typically sell out quickly) to their coffee, to their flour-less apricot oatmeal bars. Their egg sandwich, served on toasted brioche—which you can customize with add-ons like bacon, Swiss, or arugula—gets a special shout-out. The space itself is as charming as you would expect, and the absence of WiFi fosters a community vibe you didn’t realize you were craving.

Bloom has a backstory as fascinating as its unique selection of flowers, jewelry, and gifts. Originally from a small town in Germany, Anuschka Pashel traveled the world as a fashion model before landing in Denver in 1998, where she worked out of a studio and in the local markets until she opened this boutique in 2011. With a subtly eclectic combination of modern and Victorian-inspired furnishings, shopping at Bloom feels like perusing a beautifully appointed living room—and the best part is, the home accessories are shoppable, from blankets, pillows, mirrors, and light fixtures to small accessories like candles and vintage-chic wall art. For Anouschka, floral arrangements are a fine art, so come here when you need a gorgeous, original floral arrangement, plus Rifle Paper Co. gift cards and ornate pots and planters to gift them with.

Cedar & Hyde is a one-stop shop for modern-mountain-chic giftables for everyone on your list—from minimalist jewelry, clean perfume oil, and aromatic candles for her, to denim, henleys, leather accessories, and grooming provisions for him. Sisters Christie and Poss Lambert own and curate this charming his-and-hers lifestyle shop, keeping it stocked with a dreamy array of small/indie/artisanal designers like Lauren Manoogian, Amo Denim, Baserange, Hope, Jessie Kamm, and Hansel from Basel; plus, hand-picked home goods, of-the-moment cookbooks, quarterlies, and magazines (i.e. Gather Journal); hand-made wooden and ceramic plates, bowls, and pottery, hand-woven turkish towels; and even camping gear. Good luck leaving here without a few gifts for yourself on top of a slew of souvenirs for your loved ones.

Max Martinez and his eponymous stores (there are also locations in Boulder and Aspen) are really the cream of the Colorado fashion crop. An early buyer of now-household names like Isabel Marant, the boutiques (a partnership between Martinez and owner Scott Seale) always carry a mix of name-brand classics and little-known newcomers. It’s probably the most luxurious of the area’s boutiques, so go for investment pieces like Nili Lotan sweaters, Céline bags, and Pierre Hardy boots. If you can, try to stop in when Max is in the store—in addition to being the warmest host imaginable, he has an amazing eye for pieces that flatter.

This cool little space is filled with all kinds of collected treasures, from crystals and Tarot cards, to succulents and houseplants, to an apothecary section with fragrances, salts, and bitters. They also stock a selection of (primarily Western-inspired) vintage clothing items like shearling-lined denim jackets, fringed leather pieces, and embroidered peasant tops, as well as turquoise jewelry and a lovely table stacked with lacy lingerie from small, indie lines. It's a great spot to pick up a souvenir.

Located in a massive, lofty old warehouse building, REI's flagship store is nestled up against the Platte River, and it's not uncommon to see people swimming and kayaking, or dogs fetching sticks right outside the store in the summer months (since it's also next to the Cherry Creek bike path, the built-in Starbucks is also a common pit stop for cyclists). There's a great little kid-friendly bike park out front, and the interior famously houses a multi-story rock wall that kids go crazy for. As for the merchandise, you'll find two full floors of the finest outdoor gear the industry has to offer, from tents and kayaks to fly-fishing equipment and skis.

This longstanding Wazee Street establishment was founded by Jack Weil, who later became a Denver celebrity, not just for his amazing ranch shirts (he's the original inventor of snap-close cowboy shirts), but because he continued to work in the store every day until his death at the age of 107. Rockmount is now run by Weil's son and grandson, and it's still the best place in Denver to buy old-school cowboy shirts, and the store also has a great selection of boots, hats, and belts, plus some really great bolo ties for sartorially brave Westerners.

Sacred Thistle is a joint venture of mother/daughter duo Sydney and Cornelia Peterson; Sydney was a visual manager at Nieman Marcus for years, so putting her creative skills to use arranging flowers was a natural transition (this is a creative family—Dad/husband Richard, a talented photographer, is a fixture in the local arts scene). Arrangements here take inspiration from the Japanese concept of wabi-sabi, which emphasizes that beauty is found in quirks and imperfections, which means each piece is wholly unique. If you're not in the market for flowers, the shop also carries some selected odds and ends, like jewelry, Pendleton blankets, sage, incense, candles, and more.

This glorious indie bookshop occupies a large space (which makes for literally countless cozy ready nooks) filled with new and used books of every kind. After over fifty years in business, they're now a Denver mainstay for literary culture, hosting readings from new authors in their cafés. Once you pick something out, grab a latte—or one of their sandwiches—and snuggle up in one of the couches. For non-readers, there's also Wifi. There's a second location on the other side of town.

Topo Designs is a Colorado-based company, and this shop was their first-ever brick-and-mortar (though they now have several locations in Denver and Boulder). The outdoor brand is best known for their brightly colored packs for hiking, backpacking, bike commuting, or just bopping around town (they also make the best, most durable laptop sleeves), and for the fact that all of their products are made in the United States. In the shop, you’ll find a full selection of their offerings, plus favorites from Zeal and Smith Optics, Ursa Major, Wigwam, and Hestra.

Weekends has had a shop on Pearl Street for going on thirty years (though they've upgraded to bigger spaces over time), offering a mix of clothes for men and women, plus a solid selection of shoes, exceptional jewelry case, and a few well-curated home items. You can always count on them for a few great Canada Goose jackets, Rag & Bone denim, delicate cashmere sweaters, and dainty gold jewelry—they now carry Shinola watches, too. An attached, semi-separate denim shop offers a wide range of designer jeans, plus some fashion picks that skew a bit flashier and younger than the rest of the shop.

In addition to hosting the Chautauqua Organization's lectures, films, and musical performances, this little enclave of summer homes (many of which can still be rented) is home-base for some of the best hiking in Boulder. The classic trail here is the Royal Arch, a two-mile out-and-back that climbs several switchbacks to a section of the flatirons that forms a golden, natural arch and offers sweeping views of the plains, with the city of Boulder laid out below you. From this trailhead, you can also link up with the Mesa Trail, a 7-mile stretch that crawls along the base of the mountains and runs the entire length of the city from North to South. Sure, it's a Boulder pilgrimage to complete the entire thing (down-and-back) in one day, but you can also access it in small pieces.

Clyfford Still sold very few of his paintings when he was alive, believing that they were best shown only alongside his other paintings, under very specific conditions. When he passed away in 1980, he left his entire estate (which represented more than 95% of his total output) to whichever city would mount a permanent museum devoted to his work. The city of Denver was selected to receive the collection in 2004, and in 2011 opened a Brad Cloepfil-designed building to house the collection and rotating exhibitions of Still's artwork. Strolling through the rooms filled with Still's toweringly big pieces is unlike anything else—and something you truly can only experience in Denver.

Denver's big encyclopedic museum (which has more than 70,000 works in 10 permanent collections) is one of the biggest museums between Chicago and the West Coast. The museum itself is made up of two architecturally significant buildings: the 1971 Gio Ponti-designed North Building, covered in more than one million shimmering gray tiles and the modernist designer's only completed work in North America, and the dramatic and iconic Daniel Libeskind building, reminiscent of the Rocky Mountains, with sharp angles jutting out from the center in every direction. They always have a few selections on display from the permanent collection, but you can also see major traveling exhibitions here—a few of their recent blockbusters have included an exhibition of Star Wars costumes, a exhaustive collection of vintage Cartier jewelry, and a selection of Van Gogh works in an exhibition titled Passport to Paris.

Located adjacent to (and really a part of) Cheesman Park, the botanic gardens are nestled into one of Denver's nicest and most historic neighborhoods. The gardens themselves are a perfect combination of locally inspired (the Gardens of the West are inspired by Colorado's arid landscape and the hardy plants that evolved to thrive here) and lusher, more ornamental gardens that typify classic gardens anywhere. There are plenty of magical little pockets to explore, and it's particularly beautiful to visit at night. In the summer, they host a live concert series in the round on their largest lawn—arrive a bit early so you can set up a picnic and a lawn chair near the stage.

One of the better nature and science museums we've visited, the scientists at DMNS lead globally significant work, including the excavation of an important archaeological site at nearby Snowmass Village, called the Snowmastadon Project, where they excavated thousands of fossils, including the bones of a Columbian mammoth. In addition to the requisite planetarium, gems and minerals collection, fossils, mummies, and taxidermy, they also have one of the region's only IMAX theatres. In 2014, the museum completed the brand-new Discovery Zone, a totally interactive space for kids ages 3-5, where littles can excavate fossils, play with water features, and create art projects.

Located on the Southern edge of Boulder along the road you'd take if you were going skiing, Eldorado Canyon is one of the most challenging rock climbing destinations in the world. Within the canyon, you'll find a cozy little town with a few small homes cluttered along the creek and a public swimming pool with a slide, diving board, and a gorgeous mountain backdrop. Non-climbers can get in on the action by walking along the hiking trails at the edge of the canyon, where you can catch people hanging from the rocks high above you—we like the Eldorado Canyon trail for beginners. For a hike with more dramatic views, stop at the Doudy Draw trailhead on the way in and do the Spring Brook Loop, which offers sweeping panoramas of the flatirons and the mesas below them (it's particularly perfect around sunset).

This Art Deco movie theater, which is a short walk (and even shorter Uber) from the shopping and food on South Broadway, first opened in 1930 and is on Denver's list of historic landmarks. They're always screening hard-to-find shows, and the fact that they're one of the few theaters in town with a liquor license also makes it a great place for date night. Check out their schedule during the Denver Film Festival, when the local film society brings in a slew of interesting indie movies you can't find any other time of year. A warning to the long-legged: The vintage rows are pretty close together.

MCA Denver Director Adam Lerner first got the attention of the museum world with his quirky "Mixed Taste" program, which presented talks by lecturers from completely different fields on topics like "Porcini Mushrooms & the American Ideal," "Ukulele & Afrofuturism," or "Tomatoes & Leonardo da Vinci," which had the effect of making contemporary art more accessible by infusing it with laughter and lightheartedness. Since then, the museum (which occupies a gorgeous David Adjaye-designed building and is marked by a giant, blinking, rotating heart sculpture by Tim Noble and Sue Webster) has garnered further attention for some groundbreaking exhibitions, including originating the first Marilyn Minter career retrospective, and an exhibition of Basquiat works from the critical, formative years of 1979 and 1980. Parents of Denver teens should know about Failure Lab, their internship program for a select group of Denver teens who spend the year making artwork, planning programming and drop-in events, and working with professional artists to create new projects. Oh, and if you happen to be in town for one of their openings, locals will tell you they throw the best parties in town.

Mount Sanitas is a classic Boulder hike, in part because it's located walking distance from the center of Pearl Street. The trail itself is a brutal climb, but making it to the top, where you can see the entire town to the east and Long's Peak to the west, is more than worth it. This is a popular route for locals around lunchtime, and don't be surprised if you see people running the entire loop (comfort your wounded pride by reminding yourself that they're likely professionals). Photos: Victoria Garcia, Mario Lurig

This natural amphitheater is surrounded by dramatic red rocks that, in addition to being stunningly beautiful, reflect sound back onto the stage, giving it the best acoustics of any outdoor arena in the states. Red Rocks is famously a bucket list venue for many performers, so the lineup is a little of everything—everyone from The Beatles to Daft Punk to the Grateful Dead—and, for a few nights in the summer, the Colorado Symphony—has played the stage. Arrive early so you can tailgate in the parking lot and admire the sunset, then head into the venue where you'll be able to see every single star above the performers' lights. If you can't catch a concert, it's worth stopping by during the day to admire the rocks—you'll find plenty of locals here around sunrise running the stairs.

Washington Park (known affectionately as Wash Park by Denverites) is one of those places that seems to be busy no matter when you visit. The 155-acre space centers on a lake, complete with a boathouse and swans, and surrounded by well-manicured gardens and plenty of green space where you'll find neighbors throwing the ball for their dogs or picnicking on warm summer nights. The entire park is encircled by a 2.5-mile dirt running path that's always packed with runners, parents with strollers, and power walkers, plus an inner, paved loop that's perfect for roller-bladers and cyclists. There are basketball courts, tennis courts, horseshoe pits, and grills on site.

Aillea is the go-to brick-and-mortar shop for clean beauty in Denver. Owner and self-described lifetime beauty junkie Kathryn Murray Dickinson, formerly a beauty industry executive in New York, stocks a rich variety of non-toxic makeup, skincare, hair care, bath & body, nail care, and fragrance—most of which, at the very least, are wholeheartedly goop-approved.

The Dragontree is a veritable sanctuary centrally located in Boulder, offering transporting, therapeutic massages—perfect for an escape, even if you’re already on vacation here. Their spa services extend to acupuncture, Ayurveda, and cosmetic waxing; they also provide luxurious head-to-toe treatments in the Sangha Room—from foot baths to head/neck/shoulder treatments to combination packages that literally work on you from head to toe—which can be enjoyed by groups at a time. They also have their own inside-and-out body care line, Dragontree Apothecary.

Started by three Boulder natives and childhood friends with a passion for cold-pressed juice and nut milk, it takes just a glance at Wonder Press’s menu to see why we love it: You can get a standard latte with nut milk, or you can get one of their made-to-order “magic” concoctions like cacao, raw coconut sugar and nut milk spiced with cinnamon and cayenne, or a lemon mate tea with maple and cayenne, or a dandelion root and chicory latte. Their juice is the real deal—never pasteurized, never pressure-processed, served in a glass bottle and packed with several pounds of nutritive produce. Even better, they’re committed to producing as little waste as possible, which means they have a bottle exchange program and residual pulp from juices is either donated or used in their house-made muffins. Lots of natural light, abundant pillows (and free wifi) add to Wonder Press’s charm.