By Kailei R.
Over the past few years I have enjoyed vacationing in places that may not be your typical places — places help you get in touch with nature, have plenty of relaxation activities and also give you some of those luxurious amenities that we all love. Believe me, I’ve had my fair share of Miami, San Juan and Mexico getaways (along with everyone else) and love me some beach and sun, but I have also enjoyed my vacations in some off-the-beaten-path locales. I recently had lunch with a few of my Chicago girlfriends and found out that I am not alone! A few of my fellow 30-something Black female and graduate degree holding girls also had been vacationing in similar spots. Here are a few that came up during that conversation — happy travels!
The Hidden Pond in Kennebunkport, Maine
How you get there:Fly into Portland, ME and drive to Kennebunkport.
Here you’ll find yourself: Enjoying the morning breakfast delivery to your cottage, doing yoga in the morning at the farm or making s’mores at the nightly bonfire.
This place is perfect for: a fabulous, luxurious and relaxing retreat. “Tranquil” and “heavenly” are two words used to describe this luxury resort.
Palmetto Bluff in Bluffton, South Carolina
How you get there: Fly into Hilton Head, Savannah or Charleston and drive to Bluffton.
Here you’ll find yourself: taking in the beautiful scenery while riding your bike or reading a book in a rocking chair on the porch of your personal cottage overlooking a beautiful river while enjoying a glass of wine.
This is the perfect place for: combining relaxation with activities (from bike riding to kayaking to golfing) all in a special resort that is as luxurious as it is laid back.
Avalanche Ranch in Redstone, Colorado
How you get there: Fly into Denver, Aspen or Vail and drive to Redstone – the scenery is just perfect.
Here you’ll find yourself: making freshly laid eggs in the kitchen of your cabin, relaxing in one of the hot springs pools or horseback riding around town.
This is the perfect place for: unplugging from all of the technology in your life – cell phone and wifi coverage are at a minimum here. And, you may even get a sneak peek at a real life bear. We (thankfully) missed one by minutes while we were there.
Inn on the Blue Horizon in Vieques, Puerto Rico
How you get there: Fly to San Juan, take a small plane to Vieques island.
Here you’ll find yourself: reading on one of the comfy chairs or couches, catching a sunrise on the roof of the main house or watching the horses graze right outside the window of your personal villa after you wake up in the morning.
This is the perfect place for: exploring some of the quiet and serene beaches in Vieques. Rent a car, explore the small island and you will feel like you have found something exclusive that you’ll want to keep all to yourself!
