Just as they do on land in the Five Boroughs, the FDNY is there, safeguarding all of New York City’s waterways, ready to answer the call from their station in Brooklyn’s Navy Yard. Aiding them in their work is an impressive fleet of patrol and emergency response vehicles, tools, and even Mustang Survival Classic Flotation Bomber Jackets.  

Earlier this year, we were fortunate enough to spend a rainy winter day with them on Marine 6 patrolling the New York Harbor, and to get to know the ships, gear, and great people who keep NYC’s waterways free from harm for all of us. Thank you to the FDNY for having us and for all that you do to help ensure we can continue our urban explorations safely.

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Much like how angling gives purpose to travel for some, yoga does the same for me these days. It’s a shared ritual, a moment of presence, and an acknowledgment of our shared humanity. In 2024, I was fortunate to sit and flow in some truly extraordinary places. While difficult to narrow down, these five locations from my year in travels didn’t just enrich my yoga practice—they enriched my soul.

“Though we travel the world over to find the beautiful, we must carry it with us or we find it not.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson

1. Sayulita, Mexico

Across the street from Casa Blanca in the Don Bonito Hotel lies one of the most charming coffee shops and serene yoga studios in all of Mexico. This peaceful little sanctuary up the stairs with ocean views is called The Rose Room, perfectly tucked into the bohemian rhythm of Sayulita, a vibrant surf town on Mexico’s Pacific coast. The town’s energy—laid-back yet vibrant—infused every practice here.

The studio’s open-air design allows ocean breezes to dance through sun salutations, while the sounds of early morning birds clashing with the surf provides a natural meditative backdrop. Practicing here literally saved my life a few years ago on my birthday, and every visit feels like a symphony of breath and waves, a harmonious blending of inner and outer worlds. Sayulita is only about an hour’s drive north from Puerto Vallarta’s international airport, making it easily accessible yet blissfully removed from the city’s bustle.

2. Sundance, Utah

There’s something undeniably magical about practicing yoga in a yurt surrounded by towering alpine peaks. At Sundance Mountain Resort, located in the foothills of Utah’s glorious Wasatch Range, the rustic charm of the venue combined with the crisp mountain air transformed each asana into an act of communion with nature and my true purpose for being.

This wasn’t just yoga; it was a retreat into the soul of the wilderness and a historic respite rooted in respect for nature and the arts. Whether grounding in tree pose or gazing at giant dripping icicles during shavasana, every moment felt deeply reverent, as though the earth itself were holding practice. Sundance is also only about an hour’s drive south from Salt Lake City, making it an easily accessible escape into the mountains.

3. Brush Creek Ranch, Wyoming

Renowned for its luxury, attention to detail, and breathtaking open landscapes, Brush Creek Ranch delivered an unexpected sanctuary for yoga. Located in the heart of Saratoga’s wild western spaces, practicing here felt like stepping into a wellness oasis set against the raw beauty of yesteryear Wyoming.

With panoramic views of rolling hills and the distant Rockies, each pose seemed to expand beyond the mat, mirroring the openness of the landscape. The serenity of the ranch made every session feel like an exploration of body and mind, as well as a unique balance of luxury and mindfulness, cultivating extreme gratitude. Brush Creek Ranch is reachable via regional airports or about a four-hour drive from DIA with a scenic tour through Wyoming’s Medicine Bow National Forest.

4. Hix Island House, Vieques, Puerto Rico

Nestled in the tropical seclusion of Vieques, a major island off the coast of Puerto Rico, Hix Island House redefined the idea of simplicity in yoga with its brutalist concrete construction. This eco-retreat on the island’s hillside is known for its minimalist architecture and stunning natural surroundings, including wild horses roaming the property and nearby beaches.

The surrounding natural beauty created a space where distractions melted away, leaving only the essentials—breath, movement, and connection, and the cacophony of jungle sounds. The forest seemed to exhale along with me, its rhythms aligning perfectly with my own. Each practice felt like a renewal, a reminder of the profound tranquility that comes from being near the ocean and in harmony with the world around you. To reach Vieques, take a short flight from San Juan, followed by a quick drive to the retreat.

5. Lumeria Maui, Hawaii

Hawaii is synonymous with healing, and Lumeria Maui epitomizes this spirit at every turn. Nestled in Upcountry Maui, this retreat center is surrounded by lush landscapes and set high above the island’s north shore. The historic retreat center offered a transformative setting for yoga along with a grounding stay for my family.

Practicing under the warm Hawaiian sun, with palm fronds swaying above and the distant sound of waves and wind, was like stepping into the essence of Aloha. Lumeria wasn’t just a place to deepen my practice—it was a sanctuary to rediscover balance and reconnect with the soul. Located just 20 minutes from Kahului Airport, Lumeria’s secluded yet accessible location makes it a haven for travelers seeking peace.

Each of these locations offered something unique, but they all reminded me why yoga has become such an integral part of my adventures. Whether it was the ocean’s embrace, the mountains’ stillness, or the forests’ calm, yoga serves as a bridge to these incredible landscapes and my own personal journey. I’d love to hear about your favorite locations and recommendations as well. Reach out to me on IG at @DefinitelyWild.

The post The Top Five Places I Practiced Yoga in 2024 appeared first on VANISH TODAY.

At Vanish, that type of travel has always been our m.o. But when it comes to isolated, magical, and culturally significant places like Maui, the directive to visit responsibly does take on more weight. Visiting Maui right now means arriving with aloha, compassion, patience, and empathy.

And while we spent a week exploring the island, that just barely scratched the surface and whetted our appetite to return. One of the places we found the most respite was the Westin Maui, centrally located on the shores of Kā’anapali, a veritable Shangri La for families and anyone looking for an turnkey vacation in one of the most coveted spots on earth.

Earlier this year, the Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Kāʻanapali completed its multi-year, $160 million transformation with the complete renovation and rebranding of the Ocean Tower into Kūkahi Tower. Guests will now enjoy a completely refreshed design aimed at facilitating a calming and rejuvenating stay. A 10,000-square-foot social center – located within Kūkahi Tower – is the first resort venue of its kind in Hawai‘i for guests and the community to gather and enjoy arcade games, Topgolf Swing Suites, a bar, lounge, and more.

The newly-transformed, beachfront resort offers guests an incomparable experience rooted in nurturing wellness, the sharing of Hawaiian wisdom and a real-world immersion into nature. With the Pacific Ocean and verdant volcanic mountains, there are countless opportunities for adventure and rejuvenation.

“Our original tower, which once stood alone, has been renamed Kūkahi, which literally means ‘to stand alone’ or ‘stand upright’ in Hawaiian,” said Joshua Hargrove, general manager of the Westin Maui. “But like many Hawaiian concepts, it has a deeper meaning: the element and energy force that creates growth from the land. In line with this theme, our hope is that guests in Kūkahi would experience an empowering sense of well-being and personal growth during their time here.”

The design of Kūkahi Tower is inspired by a poem found in the Bishop library that describes the location of the resort in the early 1800s. The poem describes the “paʻūpili mist” – the light rain that commonly falls in the early hours of the morning in this area. As the water surges from the mountains and moves from the land towards the ocean, a misty fog hangs in the air. As the sun starts to shine, and the paʻūpili mist settles on the pili grass leaving a “million points of starlight” behind. This evokes the image of light that infuses life and energy, and can be connected to the concepts of “inner self discovery” and “positive energy and wellness,” which are at the core of Westin Maui’s resort experience.

When entering a Kūkahi room guests are greeted with a design that combines simplicity and elegance, brought to life by a natural palette. Clean architectural lines, rich wood finishes, and subtle contrasts woven throughout the textile selections create a calming, bright and sophisticated atmosphere. Each room features curated details like bespoke artwork, unique printed textiles and woven area rugs designed specifically for Kūkahi. A generous lanai and incredible ocean views expand the living space and cement the experience in Kūkahi.

Notable room features include original, wall-mounted wood sculptures; and a sleek, modern entertainment center with built in storage and an incorporated desk with outlets and USB charging ports. In the bathroom, guests enjoy warm tones of wood mingled with marble accompanied by striking espresso metal accents and a stunning illuminated vanity mirror.

Alongside the redesign of Kūkahi Tower, the resort also recently welcomed Ulu Kitchen by acclaimed chef Peter Merriman. Ulu Kitchen specializes in a blend of old-fashioned Hawaiian hospitality with carefully crafted food and beverages that celebrate the rich bounty of Hawai‘i’s fishermen, ranchers and farms – all served in an outstanding ocean view setting.

You will also not want to miss the Luau, one of the best dining experiences and hands down one of the most extravagant and worthwhile cultural experiences of my life. My kids were absolutely blown away by this performance.

The resort began this transformative redevelopment following its acquisition by a joint venture including Trinity Investments and other institutional investors in 2017. Trinity’s in-house asset management and development teams led the renovation and repositioning plan for the resort.

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I got to stay at the LOGE Camp in Bend, Oregon, located right off the road from town out to Mt. Bachelor, a few years ago when it was first opening; so when I heard that the brand was opening another new location, this time just down the road from me here in Colorado at the base of the pass leading to Wolf Creek Ski Area (and one of my all-time favorite towns with some of the best hot springs in the world in Pagosa Springs), the fam and I just had to jump at the chance to check this spot off the list before the new school year began.

And while they weren’t quite 100 percent online and still had a lot of perks and upgrades in the works, we could definitely see and feel the potential. The LOGE franchise concept is one of the best of the best. I knew it would be the perfect way to end a week of traveling and camping in our Adventure Wagon … a nice comfy bed, gorgeous remodeled bathrooms with plenty of hot water, a small kitchenette, and all the amenities of a local ski lodge. And you know I love being able to pull right up to a ground-level entrance, allowing easy trips out to the van for supplies, hanging out on the front stoop, working on my bikes, drying gear, etc.

LOGE finds forgotten motels in places and areas that get you outdoors and doing something you love, and ideally, away from the crowds. Of course we all know by now that outdoor hospitality is a growing trend, but what’s unique about LOGE is how they find iconic and beloved roadside properties and give them new life, for the modern road tripper. They don’t just apply a cookie-cutter approach to the properties either—there is still a lot of classic character maintained with the brand’s ethos of building community and getting people outdoors.

They also must be applauded for trying to help people take these types of vacations on a budget. LOGE has options including RV spots, camping in some locations, bunk rooms, and basic motel rooms. And if you don’t own the gear, many LOGE locations have what you need for the activities that are popular in that location. It’s “the hotel that gets people outdoors.” LOGE also has fire pits, live music and seeks to deliver a welcoming outdoor-adventure focused experience at each location.

The new opening in South Fork, Colorado — LOGE Wolf Creek — is a gateway for adventurers seeking access to some of the country’s best fly fishing, skiing, as well as climbing, hiking, and biking. I was able to fly fish with my family chilling by the river and ride hours of gravel while my wife did trail runs, right out the back door. LOGE finds some of the country’s most interesting towns, trails and recreation areas, and brings these properties back to life with a variety of ways to stay. With LOGE Wolf Creek, the group revitalized the old Wolf Creek Ski Lodge, retaining the heritage elements that made it a distinctive roadside stopover while updating the accommodations to reflect a modern experience centered around outdoor recreation. Officially sited in the community of South Fork, CO, this new property boasts 50 rooms with full amenities and gear, including in-room Kammok hammocks, YETI coolers, BioLite headlamps, and Rumpl blankets for guests to use. The property also features a communal fire pit, hot-tubs, and a full-service cafe (Wolf Creek Café + Bar) for meals, trail snacks, beverages, cocktails, and tap beer from Del Norte, CO-based Three Barrel Brewing Company. If four walls aren’t of interest, LOGE Wolf Creek is also developing van hookups for those looking to maximize road trip budgets. EV charging stations are coming soon. When the sun goes down, LOGE Wolf Creek also hosts a slate of live music, campfire socializing, or just gazing at a star-filled night sky.

Currently, LOGE has locations in Bend (OR), Westport (WA), Leavenworth (WA), Alta Crystal (WA), Mt. Shasta (CA) and more are slated to open in 2024, including St. George (UT), Glacier National Park (MT), Missoula (MT), Crystal Slopeside (WA), and Taos (NM).

LOGE has gear on-site to open up outdoor-adventure focused experience at each location and at LOGE Wolf Creek, the gear program is focused on fly fishing, hiking, and snowshoeing. Use of gear is included in a guest’s stay. “Wolf Creek and South Fork are perfect matches for LOGE,” says LOGE Founder and CEO, Cale Genebacher. “Off the beaten path, in an incredible spot for all kinds of adventures, and full of a sense of discovery that’s long run out in other spots, LOGE Wolf Creek is going to be a perfect outdoor destination for those looking for a blend of comfort and exploration.” 

Wolf Creek and South Fork have a growing tourism economy, thanks in part to Rio Grande River gold medal fly fishing, backcountry skiing, and an emerging status as a hub for off-road cycling. These areas remain uncrowded compared to other popular destinations in the state, which also makes this part of the country perfect for LOGE Camps positioning as a gateway to the outdoor destinations before they become household names. In this spirit, LOGE is making a donation to the Colorado Trails Preservation Alliance as part of their 1% Community Giving program, supporting local organizations that advocate for more access to the outdoors.

–Author Aaron Bible is an award-winning travel and outdoors writer with more than 30 years experience covering the outdoor lifestyle business. Follow him @DefinitelyWild for more adventures, gear reviews, and travel trends and advice. 

The post LOGE Camps Expand Modern Motor Inn Experiential Travel Trend appeared first on VANISH TODAY.

Known for its deep artistic and intersectional roots, this 413-year-old city is famous for incubating creative greats, yes including Georgia O’Keeffe, and inspiring artists and outdoor lovers of all ilks with awe-inducing canyons, national forests, protected Native lands, and monuments at its perimeter. You can feel the ghosts here in the same way you can feel the vortexes in Sedona. It’s sacred, special.

Santa Fe’s historic plaza and downtown please with many walkable streets (try Burro Alley for eateries and art) and easy access to the outdoors — Ski Santa Fe is only 16 miles from downtown, lending it legit ski town status, to many outsiders surprise.

And in line with Santa Fe’s curious motto, “The City Different,” you can’t help but feel the pull of deep historical roots, grounded in Pueblo tradition with Mexican, Spanish, and anglo influence. It was an epicenter of Western expansion. The hanging chiles or “Ristras” on front porches tie back to 1598 when Conquistador Don Juan Onate introduced chiles from Mexico, and the crop was adopted by the ancestral Puebloans. At the same time you can head to the Five & Dime General Store for a Frito Pie, all the cliches are true and not true at the same time.

Whatever your heart desires, Santa Fe keeps evolving with a fiery spirituality, creativity and adventure at its core.

Imbibe

Yes — the margaritas are really good in Santa Fe. The Santa Fe Margarita Trail is a testament to that. The city has put together a custom passport for a total of 45 bars and restaurants. Once you try a bar’s signature Margarita you get a stamp. Better yet, the more stamps you collect the more prizes. After 15 stamps you are inducted into the official Margarita Society. After 5, you earn a T-shirt. If you complete the trail, you earn the elusive VIP Margarita package.

If you fancy a wider variety of libations, attend New Mexico Cocktail Week. The event, which takes place June 2-10, will see Santa Fe bars and restaurants host high-quality cocktail experiences, educational seminars, and signature events about the fine art of mixology.

And for those who want to sling mud and knock back a few, the Tumbleroot Pottery Pub is Santa Fe’s first “Art Bar.” Conceived by the owners of Paseo Pottery and Tumbleroot Brewery & Distillery (who are also husband and wife), Tumbleroot Pottery Pub is a new experience where cocktails and clay coexist. The location offers a full bar, tasting room/bottle shop, ceramic gallery and pottery studio in one space. The bar features Tumbleroot’s locally brewed and distilled products served in Paseo Pottery made vessels specifically designed to complement each beverage. Patrons of the pottery pub will be invited to embrace their creative side and get their hands dirty forming their own works of art using communal workshop tables, raw clay, and tools provided.

Explore

The dry climate and high desert vistas are one of a kind in Santa Fe. The city’s health-centric, natural mindset and access to the outdoors put visitors at ease. Just this month, a New Soaking Pool and Sun/Moon Deck opened at the Inn of the Five Graces Spa. The sparkling, turquoise waters of the soaking pool provide a refreshing oasis in the midst of Santa Fe’s high-desert landscape, while plush lounge chairs and shaded cabanas invite guests to relax and soak up the sun at this luxury inn. At night, the deck comes alive with the glow of stars in Santa Fe’s dark sky above, creating a romantic and tranquil atmosphere perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring.

Lace your hiking boots and trail running shoes to run, play and camp in the Santa Fe National Forest. Boasting 1.6 million acres of mountains and mesas, the Santa Fe National Forest has activities for every outdoor lover. Car camp or backpack in the Pecos Las Vegas Ranger District, where some of the most backpacking and hiking trails lie, or head over to the Diablo Canyon Recreation Area for some climbing and camping. History buffs will also enjoy the Pecos National Historic Park to see pueblos and a Spanish church from 1717.

A 30-minute drive or bus ride will take you to Ski Santa Fe. The ski area is located in the Santa Fe National Forest and is a small but mighty mountain with advanced, intermediate, and beginner terrain to boot. Plus the blue bus is a public transit option that runs daily to and from the city to the mountain and is free to ride.

Experience

Santa Fe’s roots run deep and the city’s traditions will pull you in. On September 1, 2023, Santa Fe will celebrate the 99th Burning of Zozobra. The Burning of Zozobra is one of Santa Fe’s most iconic and beloved traditions. Each year, a 50-foot-tall marionette named Zozobra (Spanish for “the gloomy one”) is constructed and stuffed with the glooms of Santa Feans and visitors. All are welcome to attend, chant “burn him” with the crowd of 70,000, and watch the pageantry as torch bearers and a fire dancer ignite Zozobra’s skirt to send the woes of the past year up in flames.

Visiting Santa Fe also wouldn’t be complete without honoring the state’s arguably most famous artist. The Georgia O’Keeffe Museum is in its 25th Anniversary Year. The museum, which opened in July 1997, has been sharing the paintings, creative process, and personal effects of Georgia O’Keeffe with visitors to Santa Fe for 25 years. The exhibit Radical Abstraction, running through October 30, 2023, explores many of O’Keeffe’s favorite subjects to paint that she returned to repeatedly over many years. The exhibit brings together abstract paintings from all periods of her career showing themes she returned to and refined over time. Georgia O’Keeffe: Making a Life, on view through March 2024, explores the artist’s identity as a “Maker” in the mid-20th century in rural Northern New Mexico and includes vignettes of her world from handmade clothing, furniture gifted from designer friends Ray and Charles Eames, items purchased on her foreign travels to beloved cooking and garden tools.

Attend

There’s no more authentic way to explore Santa Fe’s neighborhoods and culture than to visit in the throngs of summer with long days and cool nights. The plaza bursts with energy, tourists, artisans and events through July and August.

The International Folk Art Market [July 5-9] celebrates traditional artisans who use handmade practices and honor timeless, generational artistic endeavors.

The Traditional Spanish Market [July 29-30] takes place on the legendary Santa Fe plaza — where you can support local Hispanic artists and enjoy live music at this almost 100-year-old event. The Contemporary Hispanic Market will also take place on the plaza at this time and is the world’s largest contemporary Hispanic market.

The 101st Santa Fe Indian Market [August 19-20] will take place on and around the Santa Fe central plaza, with artists from over one-hundred tribal communities in North America and Canada.

Expand

Santa Fe is the biggest art market in the U.S. behind only LA and New York City. The art districts are extensive, but a visit to Canyon Road is a must-see and a great start (it hosts over 80 galleries).

The plaza too is home to numerous markets and events throughout the year. Make sure to catch Santa Fe Art Week [July 7-16], which is a great way to explore the city and its creative enclaves. After a long day honing your skills at workshops or attending openings and shows, tag along on a neighborhood gallery stroll in the evening to explore the city and unwind and socialize.

Writers and readers unite at the Santa Fe International Literary Festival [May 19–21] — attend lunches, lectures, and morning meditations from esteemed authors like John Irving and Gillian Flynn.

One of only a few locations to see this massive installation, buck tradition and swing by Meow Wolf. The famed art installations are fully immersive, colorful, and utilize multimedia to its full power. There’s an enthralling installation by contemporary Native American Artist Virgil Ortiz. Virgil Ortiz, of Cochiti Pueblo, is known as one of the most avant-garde artists of his time, fusing his Pueblo culture with sci-fi, fantasy, and apocalyptic themes that yield provocative and futuristic imagery. Ortiz considers it his mission to create global awareness that Pueblo communities are very much alive and vital. Ortiz’s installation titled, Sirens: Secret Passkeys & Portals features a cast of characters from his Revolt 1680/2180 saga—an ongoing project Ortiz has been working on for the past two decades. Revolt 1680/2180 presents a dystopian future 500 years after the Pueblo Revolt in which time-travelers return to the era to aid their ancestors. The installation features an eight-foot resin head embedded with neon, a video installation filmed at the Bisti Badlands in northwestern New Mexico, and an activated light wall.

— Aaron H. Bible is an award-winning writer, photographer, and multimedia producer with three decades of experience working as a journalist and creative director. Follow him at @definitelywild.

The post Vanish To: Santa Fe appeared first on VANISH TODAY.

The California Coast Classic Bike Tour takes that winning combination a step further. Participants treat themselves to 525 miles of some of the most beautiful coastal scenery in the world on top of raising money for the Arthritis Foundation. The CCC bike tour, which hugs the coastline along California Highway 1, has been voted the Best Charity Bike Tour by Gran Fondo Guide and ranks among the Top 30 Best Road Biking Trips according to Outside Magazine.

The September tour celebrates its 22nd birthday this year. Organizers are celebrating that milestone by introducing the option to participate in the tour virtually, thanks to the insights gleaned from disruptions during the COVID pandemic.

“One of the lessons we learned from the pandemic is that there are a lot of cyclists and other athletes out there who want to support the Arthritis Foundation, even if they cannot attend CCC in-person,” said Shannon Marang Cox, Ride Director and Associate Executive Director of the Arthritis Foundation. “ACE gives supporters a great new opportunity to join us and contribute to our mission while still being a part of the larger CCC community that brings great experience, knowledge, and motivation to all participants.”

The chance to participate at all is well worth the effort either way. Arthritis reigns as the leading cause of disability nationwide, and the Arthritis Foundation has a heavier load on its shoulders than it can handle without help. If you can’t make it all the way out to California, then embarking on your own 500+ mile bike tour in your neck of the woods still contributes to the Foundation in a meaningful way and adds to your own bank of explorative experiences.

But there’s no denying that committing to the tour in person holds the most value. Luckily, there are still 70 spots remaining for there 8 day ride, and riders save 30% on registration until the end of May in honor of Arthritis Awareness Month and Bike Month together. The event will cap at 250 participants, and typically sells out well before its time to ride.

The CCC bike tour is open to riders of all levels willing to tackle the adventure. The whole event is fully supported, and welcomes beginner and advanced cyclists alike to challenge themselves according to their own skill levels. The ride usually raises over $1 million each year, and is one of the largest single fundraisers for the Arthritis Foundation nationwide. The tour runs from September 10th-17th this fall.

The post Spots Still Open for the California Coast Classic Bike Tour appeared first on VANISH TODAY.

On one hand maybe that’s the least of our concerns given the state of global climate change, but on the other, pent-up stress doesn’t help anyone. If you can step away long enough to refresh your senses and detach from the headlines, you’ll probably come back more motivated to handle whatever disaster strikes next.

The solution? Embrace your human-powered capabilities. Guided trips and self-guided itineraries from VCT Bicycling Vacations and Country Walkers could help you piece together an adventure that doesn’t take you far from your homebase. This could be your chance to narrow your exploratory focus, maybe find a little more appreciation for your own neck of the woods that hasn’t made the cut before. The best trips are simply the ones that yank our noses away from the grindstone for long enough to remember that there’s more to life than news and to-do’s – and there’s no reason you can’t find that kind of destination closer than you think.

The Golden Isles in Georgia

Banff, Yoho, and the Canadian Rockies

The Olympic Peninsula in Washington

Saguaro National Park in Arizona

California Wine Country

Acadia National Park in Maine

The Natchez Trace in Mississippi

The post Domestic Travel Options Still Key for Summer 2022 appeared first on VANISH TODAY.

But their hard work has actually paid off now as New Zealand finally begins to peek out from behind the curtains, and the government has just announced that borders will reopen to global traffic starting in May. Travel is expected to boom during the country’s peak tourism season with new visitors and plenty of rescheduled trips from the shutdown. So it’s worth it to consider a visit during other times of year when crowds and costs are lower.

Active Adventures, a guiding service based in Queenstown, runs small group adventures all across both islands of New Zealand.

They’re gearing up for the huge travel wave in September, but they’ll be ready to launch again just as soon as May rolls around so there’s no need to wait and get bogged down in the funnel of visitors.

There’s more to New Zealand than traditional summer trips, especially because the country doesn’t really see crazy temperatures in either direction throughout the seasons. Their winter from May through August still boasts comfortable temperatures in the 50’s and 60’s and reliable sunshine, perfect for long hikes, rides, and paddles in the warmest areas along the coast. If you’re still craving more cold air after the weather changes in the Northern Hemisphere, you can head up closer to the alpine for a second taste of winter.

Trip options range from full-on adventure mode to family-style cruising. Four different trips with starting dates from May to August take you through headlining places like Milford Sound and Aoraki Mt Cook National Park on the South Island or the Tongariro Alpine Crossing in the North, as well as hidden gems in between. Look for “comfort-focused”, “family” or “activity” tags on each option as well as intensity ratings from 1-5 to match whatever you’re needing coming out of your own COVID hideaway.

“To echo our Prime Minister’s words, we’re ready to welcome the world,” says Active Adventures CEO Wendy van Lieshout. “But most importantly, we’re ready to explore and experience the joy of adventure New Zealand has to offer with guests from around the globe.”

The post New Zealand Opens Borders After Two Years of Travel Restrictions appeared first on VANISH TODAY.

Here’s a pro tip for both Eastern and Western skiers: If you’re in Aspen/Snowmass or the Catskills this spring, stop by the Select Slopeside Popups to wrap up the day with a spritz from Select Aperitivo and live music as a backdrop for airing out your goggle tan lines over stories about that perfectly corned couloir line you had to hike to to earn the day’s libations.

The brand is based on a slice of Venetian culture that looks pretty similar to how we end the best ski days here in the States — winding down with a drink in hand and letting the stories from the day tumble out with abandon. While the country was pulling itself out of the wreckage from WWI, Italians needed something to take the edge off of reentry into the “new normal”… and if that doesn’t sound familiar, then perhaps you’ve been living under a rock since 2019. The same drink that helped them piece their lives back together and find a reason to smile again might just help us do the same.

Find the popup at the W Aspen Hotel in Aspen through April 11th, the Viceroy Hotel in Snowmass through April 2nd, and the Urban Cowboy Lodge in the Catskills until April 3rd.

The post Slopeside Popups Embrace the Fervor of Spring Skiing appeared first on VANISH TODAY.

Gravity Haus is changing how members live, work and travel sustainably with outposts in Breckenridge, Denver, Vail, and Winter Park, Colorado, and now in Truckee-Tahoe, California.

Gravity Haus, is also focused on the residents of mountain towns, not just visitors, with co-working spaces, gear rentals, meet ups, and coffee shops — and this week announced its fourth location with the purchase of the Cedar House Sport Hotel in Truckee. Located in northern California just 35 minutes from the Reno-Tahoe International Airport and three hours from the Bay Area, the new Gravity Haus outpost is centrally-located between the world-class slopes of Palisades Tahoe (formerly Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows), Northstar, and the shores of beautiful Lake Tahoe.

Conceptualized by Denver-based entrepreneur Jim Deters and his wife Alicia Deters, Gravity Haus membership offers an unrivaled experience and authentic mountain lifestyle by fusing work, play, travel and sustainability through a host of tech-forward yet thoughtful ‘Haus’ brands. Guided by the fundamental pillars: Good for you. Good for the planet. An amazing experience. Gravity Haus’ adventure-focused locations solve the problems of “where to play” and “where to stay,” and offer members on-demand outdoor gear access, functional co-working spaces, a watering hole, home base to meet like-minded outdoor enthusiasts, plus community events, amenities, and a variety of expert-led group fitness and recovery programs; all accessed by Gravity Haus members and hotel guests using the Gravity Haus Mobile App.

The Cedar House team will remain in place and reservations will be honored as guests can continue booking reservations at cedarhousesporthotel.com. Gravity Haus membership is not required to book lodging at Cedar House. The on-site restaurant, Stella, will operate on its current schedule (breakfast seven days a week and dinner Thursday-Sunday) and will expand dinner with full table service and a curated wine menu starting this holiday season.

“In just two years we have grown our membership to more than 2,000 strong as we now expand our community beyond Colorado and into the Truckee-Tahoe region, Reno and the Bay Area,” said Gravity Haus CEO Jim Deters. “Not only is Gravity Haus reinventing how people live and work enabling an active and healthy lifestyle, we are defining a new model of hospitality based upon inclusivity, community and conscious consumerism.” Deters adds, “We have built a subscription-based membership solution for where to stay, and also what to do, who to do it with, and with access to the best gear at your finger-tips.”

“We have created a key connection from the Denver-metro area to our three world-class resort destinations in Breckenridge, Winter Park, and Vail,” continued Deters. “While Cedar House has been a partner hotel, feedback from our members and guests made it clear the Truckee location would be an ideal property and community to expand beyond Colorado. We are excited to work with the local community as a partner in promoting sustainable tourism and an active healthy lifestyle.”

Benefits for Gravity Haus Members

While Cedar House will undergo a refresh before relaunching as Gravity Haus Truckee-Tahoe, Gravity Haus members will begin to receive benefits immediately, when booking on the Gravity Haus app:

50% off room nights Sunday-Wednesday
25% off room nights Thursday-Saturday
15% off room nights over holidays
25% off food + beverage orders before 3pm
Haus Quiver: sustainable gear access to premium outdoor equipment with ski + snowboard fulfillment at Northstar Gold Club and Adventure Center as well as 12 other mountain resorts in the U.S. and Canada.
Co-working: post up in Stella for a few hours at a time to unwind, socialize, check emails, and work in a casual environment.

The Plan for Gravity Haus Truckee-Tahoe

As the Gravity Haus community grows in Northern California, Gravity Haus Truckee-Tahoe will become a “center of gravity” for the local and regional membership. Gravity Haus intends to invest in a property improvement plan and rebrand the property as a community-driven asset, Gravity Haus Truckee-Tahoe in 2022, including:

–Gravity Haus member experiences + networking: events, and meet-ups focused on adventure, community development and personal growth.

–A signature dining experience with a focus on healthy and sustainably-sourced ingredients.

—Unravel Coffee: at Unravel, we believe nothing’s better than a great cup of coffee — except for a sustainable one. We’re on a mission to use coffee as a force for good, bringing people together and empowering our partner farms and communities. We co-produce and import some of the world’s best coffee straight from farms in Ethiopia and roast signature taste profiles with our zero emission Bellwether roaster.

—StarterHaus: modern co-working space, hot desks and meeting space to create and inspire alongside local and roving entrepreneurs, hold conference calls between outdoor adventures, and attend ongoing skill building and social programming.

—Dryland Fitness: the Gravity Haus fitness community that makes every mile, summit, and moment outdoors possible through an intentional focus on expert-led functional group fitness classes, flexibility + mobility, and recovery.

Gravity Haus offers four membership levels, starting at $70/month for 12 months; including a new Truckee-Tahoe Local Membership for members looking for unlimited day access to the local amenities.

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