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June 12, 2026
Listening to the moon
8 min
Experiences
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Experiences
Nature: the allure of the great outdoors
July 01, 2026
Coline de Silans
From Caribbean tropical forests to the snowy peaks of Vermont and the rugged coastline of Vancouver Island, nature surrounds many Relais & Châteaux properties. Explore this selection of escapes that revel in the beauty of wild landscapes.
8 min
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On the Caribbean island of Dominica, the villas of Secret Bay, built from Guyanese greenheart wood, nestle deep within lush vegetation. Here, nature flows seamlessly into every part of the experience, from the suites that open wide onto the forest to dishes prepared almost exclusively with native plants. A foraging session inspired by ancestral gathering techniques offers a first-hand appreciation of this thriving ecosystem. The head botanist leads guests through the mangroves, teaching them to identify breadfruit trees, hibiscus and wild guava. The chef then transforms the harvest into elegant dishes, served at outdoor tables in the heart of the rainforest. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind moment in perfect harmony with nature.
A river runs through it
The ancient Blue Ridge Mountains are known for the rivers and waterfalls that cascade down their slopes, and some you can even walk behind! Here, Old Edwards Inn and Spa stands in the heart of historic Highlands—a picturesque town in the lush Nantahala National Forest. This 1878 inn has evolved into a luxury resort and spa with gardens surrounding the main historic building, suites and private cottages. Two championship golf courses offer challenging play amid breathtaking scenery of valleys, ridgelines, and granite cliffs. The thrill of improving your handicap is matched only by the joy of exploring this captivating land. And when it is time to unwind, the rivers and streams invite fly fishing or simply relaxing along their banks.
A dreamlike stroll
Built on a sun-kissed hillside overlooking vineyards in the heart of Napa Valley, California, Auberge du Soleil overlooks an olive grove. After lunch or dinner at its Michelin-starred restaurant, a meander through the private sculpture garden along its winding nature path is something of a waking dream. More than 100 contemporary art works by Californian artists are scattered throughout this enchanting setting of Provençal-like greenery, which features beds of aromatic lavender and shady heritage olive trees. In this exceptional location, culture blends with contemplation, and a simple stroll reveals an idyllic locale where the south of France meets California soul.
Twenty-thousand leagues under the sea
On the small island of Anguilla, perched along the pristine sands of Long Bay, the deep royal blue of the swimming pool at Quintessence Hotel offers a striking contrast to the turquoise hues of the Caribbean Sea. At this elegant mansion house, where handcrafted woodwork meets local art, terraces open onto crystal-clear waters. Beneath the surface lie protected coral reefs, vibrant tropical fish and legendary shipwrecks, all waiting to be explored on private guided dives. What’s the best way to fully embrace the serenity of this setting? To top off your excursion with a gourmet picnic on one of the archipelago’s two uninhabited islets, lulled by the gentle rhythm of the waves.
Icy ascent
At Dunton Hot Springs, nestled deep in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, time seems to stand still. Once a thriving mining town, abandoned in 1918, it has since become a luxurious retreat. Here, rustic log cabins house elegant rooms, and the former saloon serves up refined, locally sourced cuisine. As the seasons pass, the landscape shifts from vibrant green to golden amber before donning its winter cloak of snow. That’s when the conditions become perfect for ice climbing. Guests gear up and follow an expert guide to scale frozen waterfalls, pluckily swinging their ice axes. The reward at the summit is a breathtaking view across the glistening expanse below.
Riding the wild
Windswept rocks, endless beaches fringed by conifer forests and the relentless crash of Pacific waves. If the unchained elements themselves took the form of a landscape, their wildest expression would be Tofino, on British Columbia’s Vancouver Island. It’s no wonder, then, that this remote coastal town is a true surfer’s paradise. Perched on a rocky headland facing the ocean, the Wickaninnish Inn offers a front-row seat to this graceful spectacle. Whether watching through binoculars from the coziness of a room or paddling out at one of the many surf spots dotted along the coast, novices and seasoned surfers alike are lured to Tofino’s ultimate calling.
Shores wreathed in magic
A stay at Canoe Bay is set to the soundtrack of gently lapping water and rustling leaves. The cottages here blend seamlessly into the shores of Lake Wahdoon, a glacial lake nestled in the heart of this Midwestern forest. These surroundings are best explored by canoe, kayak or paddleboard, gliding soundlessly from quiet coves to hidden bays. Nature reveals itself along the water’s edge, where it is not uncommon to spot turtles, beavers, deer and a wide variety of birds. Foxes, black bears and lynxes also roam these shores. The lake takes on a mysterious air under the moonlight, where a lakeside stroll feels truly wreathed in magic.
Energizing slopes
Nestled among 300 acres/121 hectares of forests and frozen lakes at the heart of Vermont, the Twin Farms estate and lodge has stood in this maje stic setting since the 18th century. Crisscrossed by a network of trails acce ssible by all skill levels, this vast private ski domain can be explored at a contemplative pace on cross-country skis or at full speed on downhill runs. At lunchtimes, guests can gather in the former ski lift hut for a picnic with panoramic views of the snow-covered peaks. As evening draws in, cozy rooms and suites offer a warm, relaxing retreat after a day spent in the fresh mountain air.
July 01, 2026
Coline de Silans
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