Twin Farms, Vermont | 100% WOW

Everything about our stay at Twin Farms was an over-the-top WOW experience, beginning with the welcome amenities. A box of hand crafted chocolates. A bottle of Dom Pérignon champagne (for Virtuoso guests). Even a hand-cut Stave wooden jigsaw puzzle (no two puzzles or puzzle pieces exactly alike). Described as "the Rolls Royce of wooden jigsaw puzzles," these are quite challenging. I've posted a photo of the small puzzle we were given, and it took quite a bit of time to solve for two reasons. First, these puzzles have scalloped edges, not the typical straight lines. Second, there's no picture on the box. Stave puzzles are truly made for jigsaw purists.

view from Aviary (c) 2017 by David Ourisman

Each of the 20 guest accommodations is entirely unique. We spent our first night in Aviary, a contemporary two-story cottage nestled in the woods. Tall floor-to-ceiling windows pictured here offer this gorgeous view from the second floor living room. We moved to Treetop the next night, a more traditional cottage whose ceiling was support with a lattice of open-beam birch logs still covered in their white birch bark.

Besides the miles of hiking and complimentary activities (including skiing and other snow sports in winter), you'll truly enjoy the cuisine. All three meals a day — as well as cocktails, wines, and beers — are included in the price, and I felt the dinners were among the finest meals I have ever eaten anywhere. Truly gourmet quality, the chef uses fresh, organic, and as locally-sourced as possible ingredients, and the wine pairings at dinner were a revelation.

For more information on Twin Farms, please drop us an email.

copyright (c) 2017 by Ourisman Travel LLC. All rights reserved. We provide Virtuoso and other Preferred Partner amenities as an affiliate of Brownell, a Virtuoso® Member. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.

the ultimate $25,000 romantic Valentine's fling

Looking to wow that someone special? This package is the sure way to win their heart — or take care of things if you need to apologize in a BIG way... Here's what's included

Six nights at Hotel Wailea, a Relais & Chateaux hotel in the Wailea area of the island of Maui. You'll enjoy expansive views of the Pacific Ocean from your Luxury 1BR Ocean View Suite, including a daily $25 per person breakfast credit and preferred VIP seating at Capische?

A love that soars. You'll arrive on February 12, have February 13th at leisure, and on Valentine's Day, enjoy an unforgettable experience — a one hour private helicopter tour of Hana and Haleakala. Enjoy a private picnic for two at Ulupalakua Ranch (where your helicopter will land), with a chilled bottle of Dom Pérignon awaits your arrival.

Hook it and cook it. On February 15, you'll be fishing alongside Chef Brian Etheridge of Capische? on a six hour fishing charter with all transfers and lunch included. Your dinner that evening will feature today's fresh catch, straight from your boat.

Sensual Expressions. After a day of leisure on February 17, luxuriate in a spa day with a hand-picked menu of two special treatments. Start off with a 90 minute Couples' Outdoor Massage with Aromatherapy Oils. Following a gourmet lunch, finish the experience with a Lava & Sea Salt Exfoliation with infused black sea salt and healing Hawaiian essential oils.

Back to the airport on February 18th, your private SUV will provide your return airport transfer (round trip transfers are included in the price). And the price? $24,450 which includes all taxes and fees. Contact me for complete information. As a full, non-refundable deposit is required at the time of booking, travel insurance is strongly encouraged.

copyright (c) 2016 by David Ourisman LLC. All rights reserved. We provide Virtuoso and other Preferred Partner amenities as an affiliate of Brownell Travel. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.

Luxe Travel Hawaii, 808.589.5508