Travel Horizons: golf

Showing posts with label golf. Show all posts

7.09.2019

exploring Lake Taupo

Continuing my travelogue through New Zealand... following our lunch at Huka Lodge, we drove north to the Lake Taupo region of the north island. New Zealand's largest lake (238 square miles in area and up to 600 feet deep), Lake Taupo is within the caldera of an ancient volcano.

We enjoyed a cruise on the lake, took a look at the Maori carvings shown above, but the highlight of the cruise was the opportunity to fish for trout. They were certainly biting! We let most go but brought two freshly caught trout with us to Kinloch Manor where the chef prepared them for our dinner.

Kinloch Manor has an ideal setting overlooking the lake. Like all the New Zealand luxury lodges, breakfast and dinner are included. An especially good option for families, my "suite" was huge and could comfortably accommodate a family of at least four guests. With its own kitchen and (very pleasant surprise!) washing machine and dryer, I was able to wash and dry all of my dirty laundry from the first few days of the trip.

And if you love a challenging golf course, Jack Nicklaus designed the links style course pictured above. One of the Kinloch managers, an avid golfer himself, shared that Jack must have been in a bad mood the day he designed the course.

copyright (c) 2019 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.

6.27.2019

late afternoon at Cape Kidnappers

I have a backlog of photos from New Zealand that I'd like to share, each photograph bringing back a wonderful memory. This moment represents one of the highlights of my stay at The Farm at Cape Kidnappers.

We flew from Kerikeri to Napier (with a connection in Auckland) and drove through the art deco town of Napier on our way to Elephant Hill. One of New Zealand's outstanding wineries, we enjoyed a wine tasting followed by an excellent light luncheon. I most remember the oysters! After lunch, we headed up the hill to Cape Kidnappers, the second of three Robertson Lodges that hosted us. We arrived in the afternoon and, after dropping our luggage off in our suites, we met at the main lodge for a site inspection, a tour of the farm, and a 4x4 ride out to the late afternoon setting pictured above.

The red glow of the setting sun beautifully illuminated the white walls of the Shark Tooth Cliffs, and we also observed the Gannet colony. Cape Kidnappers offers luxury accommodations in the Hawke's Bay region with great wine, superb food, and championship golf. If I could only have stayed for more than one night!

3.02.2017

Four Seasons Hualalai | paradise on the Big Island

Picture yourself here, but perhaps a couple of hours later! I did one of my favorite early morning photo shoots while at Four Seasons Hualalai earlier this week, and this is one of the inviting pictures from that session. Though it's early morning, before breakfast, Hualalai's staff is already busy, getting the resort ready for another day of fun and relaxation for the guests. These lounge chairs have been arranged into a tidy curve facing the ocean. They are awaiting guests to come and occupy them for the day.

Five resorts in one ... that's my take-away from this inspection trip. What's remarkable about this resort is that the 189 guest rooms and 51 suites aren't found in one large, multi-winged building. They are arranged throughout the resort in two story buildings, some bordering the 18th green and the rest bordering four crescents arrayed along the beach. Each area has its own character.

Ocean Golf — the golf-lovers resort. If you can't get enough golf, you can sit on your lanai and watch the golfers coming up the 18th fairway and taking their final putts, all with a view of the blue Pacific Ocean beyond the fairway.

Beach Tree — the social center of Hualalai with the resort's main pool, 100 feet long, lined with lounges and cabanas. Here's the ideal spot to make new friends at the pool or at the bar

Palm Grove — the adult resort of Hualalai, with its adults-only Tranquility Pool and swim up bar.

Sea Shell — the family resort, with a kids pool where kids can be kids. And don't forget the complimentary Kids for All Seasons program for kids aged 5-12.

Kings Pond — the adventure resort, with a 1.8 million gallon aquarium carved out of natural lava rock. Stocked with 4,000 fish representing 98 species, you can snorkel from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Dreaming of a trip to Hawaii? Four Seasons Hualalai offers five different vacation possibilities in one beautiful resort. You can benefit from added value every day through the exclusive Four Seasons Preferred Partner program. While I'm not permitted to publish the amenities on a public website, just email me for a full description. You can save hundreds of dollars and still enjoy the luxury of Four Seasons.

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.

10.24.2016

Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay | superlatives

I can't say enough good things about our three night stay at Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay. We've had three glorious days on the coast. The weather has been beautiful. The area offers a lot of reasons to visit. The hotel is one of the finest Ritz Carlton resorts I've ever visited. I absolutely love the views from my room — a Firepit room facing the 18th green of the Ocean Course ... admitting floor-to-ceiling views of the sky, sea, fairway, and mountains.

I took this picture Sunday morning from the Club Lounge on the 5th floor of the hotel looking north. You can see the pounding surf, the soft light of the dawn (about 7 a.m.), and the 18th hole of the Old Course. Sitting by the window, it was fun watching golfers playing this challenging hole and follow their shots from tee to fairway (or rough) to green (or sand trap). Although one golfer shot a par, there were many more bogies or worse.

Just 23 miles south of San Francisco, consider Ritz Carlton for a weekend getaway (or midweek, if you're retired!). Our clients receive the following Virtuoso amenities:

Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
Daily full breakfast, for up to two in room guests
$100 USD Equivalent Spa Services credit, to be utilized during stay (valid for treatments and/or spa retail products, not combinable, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability

copyright (c) 2016 by Ourisman Travel 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.

10.22.2016

a beautiful sunrise at Half Moon Bay

Another day, another beautiful sunrise... This is the sight right outside the sliding doors of our room at Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay. With the Pacific Ocean to the right and the coastal mountains to the left, this is as beautiful a panorama as you could hope for. Straight ahead is the fairway and green of the 18th hole at the Half Moon Bay Golf Links, a beautiful Scottish links style course along the sea. In fact, Ritz-Carlton has two 18-hole championship courses to challenge avid golfers.

We've been here less than 24 hours, but I totally love this resort. Today we're planning to enjoy the resort's Signature Redwoods Drive. This includes a visit to the town of Half Moon Bay and a scenic drive past pumpkin farms, wineries, redwood forests, and windswept beaches. I'll blog about the experience tomorrow.

Just 23 miles south of San Francisco and a half hour drive from SFO, Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay is a great destination for weekend getaways ... and an ideal setting for a company retreat. Of course, by booking through your Virtuoso travel advisor, you'll get free daily breakfast for two, a $100 spa credit, complimentary internet, and an upgraded room if available, all for the regular price you see online.

10.04.2015

Gleneagles | WOW 5-star golf resort

This is the view from our room in the front of the hotel, overlooking the great lawn, pitch and putt course, and hills in the background. Gleneagles is everything the most discriminating guest would expect of a great five star resort. Large, impressive lobby with high ceilings, detailed wood moldings, and all the character you'd expect from a resort built 90 years ago but with completely up-to-date furnishings and amenities.

Our Estate Room is extremely spacious with high ceilings, two large Colonial windows admitting wonderful natural light into the room. A somewhat long and narrow bathroom provides dual vanities (the first we've had in Scotland!) and a rain shower in the tub. We are in one of the non-renovated rooms per our own request, while Josh and Jessica are in a renovated Estate Room. Their bathroom includes a separate soaking tub and step-in shower as well as dual vanities. Virtuoso guests at Gleneagles receive an upgrade (if available) at the time of booking, so book a room at the Classic rate to end up in a Sovereign room, or book a room at the Sovereign rate to end up in the top category Estate room.

Gleneagles offers a myriad of activities including three 18-hole golf courses, a full spa, falconry, fishing, horse riding, shooting, and tennis ... and four restaurants from which to choose, including Michelin-starred Andrew Fairlie.

After spending two nights in a wonderful B&B in Oban with just 12 rooms, it was actually a bit of a culture shock when we arrived this afternoon to this incredible resort set on 850 acres with 232 rooms — but we quickly acclimated. If you are a discerning golfer seeking a no-compromise luxury resort in Scotland, come to Gleneagles. You'll be a happy camper!

Virtuoso guests enjoy a great set of amenities: guaranteed room upgrade at time of booking (if the upgrade is available at that time), daily full Scottish breakfast for two, Afternoon Tea for two once during your stay, and a complimentary round of golf on the King's or Queen's course with a two night stay.

UPDATE: Gleneagles has a really nice spa, The Spa by ESPA. There is an outdoor hot pool set to 98º with very well positioned jacuzzi jets, and my massage from Elsa was WOW!

copyright (c) 2015 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.

9.27.2015

St Andrews | birthplace of golf

The Swilcan Bridge is a famous landmark on the 18th hole of the Old Course at St Andrews, and that is me standing atop the bridge in a location in which many great (and not so great) golfers have been photographed. I'm a former, not so great golfer, but even as an ex-golfer, my visit to St Andrews would not have been complete without a visit to the birthplace of golf. It was fun walking the 18th fairway, watching a foursome finishing their round on the course.

Truly a bucket list destination for golfers around the world, St Andrews should be on your list of places to visit. Golfers will love staying at the Old Course Hotel, and you'll want to book an Old Course view room looking directly out over the 2nd and 17th fairways of the course (a double fairway servicing both holes). What's the point of being in a lead-in room with a view of the parking lot and road ... when you've got a mesmerizing view outside the windows on the other side of the hotel?

Even though I no longer play golf, it was a thrill to visit the birthplace of golf and to walk the 18th fairway.

7.03.2015

Amanera | coming to the Dominican Republic

Taking reservations beginning January 11, 2016, the newest Amanresort has been announced. Amanera will be the second Caribbean resort operated by Aman (the first being Amanyara on Turks & Caicos).

Amanera means peaceful water and draws its name from the Taíno word for water. With an almost unimaginable amount of space, the resort is set on 2,000 acres of virtually untouched land and stretches across nearly seven miles of seacoast. A short flight from the U.S., Amanera is your opportunity to get away from the crowds and bustle of everyday life and simply relax.

Each of the twenty-five 1BR casitas will offer unobstructed ocean vistas and its own private garden. Half of the casitas will feature a private 10-meter swimming pool. Golfers will enjoy playing the Robert Trent Jones, Sr.-designed golf course, Playa Grande, that is integrated into the resort.

9.12.2014

Virtuoso Week | Casa Palmero, Pebble Beach

Here's #9 on my top ten list from Virtuoso Travel Week.

Visiting Carmel or Pebble Beach? There's now a Virtuoso property overlooking the sea that's the perfect luxury destination resort. Casa Palmero is a boutique hotel with just 24 rooms, last renovated two years ago. Overlooking the first and second fairways of the Pebble Beach Golf Links, it's a 2.1 mile walk to Carmel (or an 8 minute walk) to Carmel.

Ideal for golfers, or anyone wanting to enjoy the shopping in Carmel, a quaint village by the sea, consider a stay at Casa Palmero when you're driving the picturesque California coast. Guests even get to drive the 17 Mile Drive for free!

Virtuoso amenities add value to your stay. You'll enjoy

Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
Continental breakfast daily, for up to two in room guests
$100 USD Resort or Hotel credit, to be utilized during stay (not valid for Pebble Beach Golf Links course or Spyglass Hill Golf Course, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
Early check-in/late check-out subject to availability

copyright (c) 2014 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.

7.19.2014

FS Punta Mita | beach paradise in Mexico

lounging under the manzanita trees at FS Punta Mita

It's all about the beach. Four Seasons Punta Mita has perhaps the nicest beach I've ever seen. Long, wide, and sandy, it's also uncrowded as the beach can only be accessed through the resort. In fact, the beach is so long at FS Punta Mita that there are actually two beaches. Pictured above is the quiet beach, the active beach being on the other side of the main pool area.

We were welcomed by a beach attendant offering piña coladas. We chose two lounges under the deep shade provided by a row of manzanita trees, and we were provided with complimentary towels and a menu. As is typical with Four Seasons resorts, an attendant came by periodically with small treats (I recall the frozen pineapple popsicle). The mid-July ocean water was warm, clear, and beautiful — just the perfect temperature to slip right in without even a momentary hesitation about "is it going to be cold."

Especially good values are available, especially if you use a Four Seasons Preferred Partner travel consultant to make your booking. You'll receive complimentary daily breakfast for two, a $100 food and beverage credit, room upgrade if available, and free basic WiFi... along with every third night free for selected dates. An all-inclusive plan is also available, and the Kids for All Seasons program is free of charge.

Guest rooms are large and comfortable. If you're a fan of Four Seasons, you'll feel very much at home at FS Punta Mita; the rooms have everything you would expect. Casitas have marble floors with an area rug in the "living room" section of your room and a Queen-size sofa bed that will easily accommodate two children. Garden view casitas are attractive, and Ocean view casitas offer a straight-on view of the ocean.

For a WOW experience, consider an Oceanfront casita or suite (with a clear, totally unimpeded view of the Pacific) or a Beachfront casita or suite from which you can step out from your patio right onto the quiet beach pictured above. In addition to Residences and Villas, guests who really want to splurge can choose the Coral Suite (one of two incredible 5 bedroom Presidential Suites).

The grounds are extensive, with just 175 rooms and suites spread over 26 acres of oceanfront resort, including two 18-hole Jack Nicklaus-designed golf courses and four restaurants. While this can mean a bit of walking, every time I dialed "0" and asked for a cart, a golf cart came for me within a couple of minutes. Punta Mita is easy to get to from many US destinations with easy non-stop flights to Puerto Vallarta.

copyright (c) 2014 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.

7.08.2011

3 reasons to consider Ritz-Carlton Kapalua

I am frequently asked to compare the two major Virtuoso resorts on Maui, the Four Seasons Wailea and the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua. Both are excellent choices for the upscale vacationer planning a family holiday in Hawaii. Here are three reasons to consider the Ritz:

(1) Lots of space. Ritz-Carlton Kapalua is a resort where you can truly spread out. Its 463 rooms and suites are located on 54 acres, all set within the 23,000 acre Kapalua Resort. All of this gives guests a sense of spaciousness. A large, three-tiered swimming pool is at the center of the property, and there are tennis courts, an eco-adventure program, a spa, and direct beach access — not to mention some outstanding restaurants.

(2) Two golf courses. Ritz-Carlton Kapalua is a paradise for golfers with two 18-hole championship golf courses and the Kapalua Golf Academy for those who want to work on their game. With some picturesque holes nestled right by the sea, the Ritz offers a beautiful and challenging setting for serious golf addicts.

(3) Beautifully renovated rooms and suites. In addition to gorgeous guest rooms (pictured above), the Ritz provides one and two-bedroom Residential Suites. This is perfect space for families, and quite reasonably priced! With a separate Master Bedroom and living room (with pull-out sofa), these accommodations provide a fully equipped kitchenette with microwave, refrigerator, and dishwasher - perfect if you want to have some meals in your room.

There are many promotions offered at various times during the year, but you can always take advantage of the Virtuoso amenities (daily full breakfast for two, $100 F&B or Spa credit, room upgrades subject to availability, and 4 p.m. late check-out) at the best available flexible rate. Just contact your Virtuoso travel consultant.

Ritz-Carlton Kapalua (search here on Google)

copyright (c) 2011 by David Ourisman LLC. All rights reserved. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.
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4.23.2009

Kauri Cliffs | New Zealand golf and beach luxury

Despite arriving at Kauri Cliffs at nearly the same time as a tropical cyclone boasting wind gusts over 65 mph, my enthusiasm for this property is not dampened.

For many guests, the challenging seaside links golf course is the reason to stay at Kauri Cliffs. Located near Kerikeri, New Zealand, north of Auckland on the Bay of Islands, the property features one of Golf Digest's top 50 courses in the world. Fifteen holes offer views of the Pacific Ocean, and six holes are played alongside cliffs that plunge into the sea. (The hole pictured at the left was obviously photographed during happier weather conditions.) Despite the crazy winds, I actually saw golfers arriving to play 18 holes.

Although it was not beach weather, I did walk down to one of the resort's three beaches, Pink Beach, which gets its name from the color of the small shells (pictured above). This beach has picnic tables and is a great spot to have lunch with your family. The best swimming beach is Waiaua Beach — long, wide, and covered with fine white sand; you can swim out to some of the tiny offshore islands.

Did I mention the food? As a Relais & Chateaux property, Kauri Cliffs takes special pride in its cuisine — and rates include full breakfast, pre-dinner drinks with hors d'oeuvres, and dinner. Also included: a free mini-bar and dangerously tempting, freshly baked cookies in your room. And as a Virtuoso property, you receive additional amenities as a complimentary perk when you book through your Virtuoso luxury travel consultant.

Beyond the large variety of outdoor activities and a spa for those who choose to be pampered, Kauri Cliffs is a stunning luxury lodge. Guest suites are spacious (a minimum of 840 square feet) and offer breathtaking views of the Pacific. The bathroom has a large soaking tub, walk-in shower, and dual vanities. There is also an immense walk-in closet designed for two travelers with a LOT of clothes. With a gas fireplace in each suite and a porch overlooking the Pacific, about the only improvement would be flat screen televisions — but I can't imagine who would spend their time watching television at Kauri Cliffs.

Kauri Cliffs (search here on Google)

copyright (c) 2009 by David J. Ourisman. All rights reserved. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.
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10.05.2008

Four Seasons Lanai

I had never visited Lanai before yesterday. A small island just 9 miles off Maui, Lanai has only 65 miles of roads, no traffic lights, 3000 residents, and two luxurious Four Seasons resorts. Why visit Lanai? Because it is one Hawaiian island that has not been over-developed with condos, strip malls, tourist attractions, and high-rise hotels.

Lanai is not for everyone. If you're into night life, bars, shows, and dancing — not to mention shopping, this is not your ideal vacation destination. But if you want to spend a week in a tropical paradise, relax in the sun, walk on the beach, play golf, enjoy a romantic getaway, or have a great family vacation, you'll love Lanai as much as I have. And if you enjoy beautiful resorts, you'll love Four Seasons Lanai.

Four Seasons Lodge at Koele is located in the center of the island, one thousand feet above sea level. The temperature is 10 degrees cooler than at sea level; we enjoyed perfect weather during our visit in October. Designed to evoke memories of a Hawaiian pineapple plantation, Lodge at Koele is a beautiful resort with incredible grounds; pictured above is the view out the back of the Great Hall of the property. With an 18 hole golf course — and an 18 hole putting course as well — you'll enjoy walking the grounds, riding bikes, playing croquet or lawn bowling, and relaxing by the pool.

Four Seasons Manele Bay is Lanai's beach resort. Unlike the major beach resorts on Maui, Oahu, or the Big Island, Manele Bay is an intimate resort with a perfect beach. You can relax on a lounge chair under an umbrella, or sit in the shade at one of the picnic tables available at the beach, listening and watching as the waves gently break onto the shore. Use the complimentary snorkeling gear to view tropical fish or body surf in the warm water. The beach is beautiful and uncrowded.

Or sit by the pool under a sunny blue sky, or relax in one of the hot tubs. We had lunch at the Ocean Grill, located just off the pool, and enjoyed a delicious light lunch. Although the banana splits came highly recommended, we did resist the temptation!

Both Four Seasons have a full complement of features you would expect of a luxury hotel — spa, exercise facilities, exceptional restaurants, and attentive service. A complementary shuttle service transports guests between the two resorts every 30 minutes, and you can charge everything to your room account. Great promotional offers are currently available, and valuable amenities are yours just by booking through a Virtuoso travel consultant.

Four Seasons Lanai (search here on Google)

copyright (c) 2008 by David J. Ourisman. All rights reserved. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.
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10.01.2008

Ritz-Carlton Kapalua | luxury in Maui

The Ritz-Carlton Kapalua reopened this year after a $180 million dollar renovation. 463 remodeled spacious guest rooms feature hardwood floors, marble bathrooms, and sumptuous Ritz-Carlton beds.

The list of attractions and activities is almost endless: a beautiful beach, tri-level swimming pool, 17,500 square foot spa, 24-hour fitness center, two 18-hole championship golf courses, a golf academy, even zip lines. An award-winning children's program, Ambassadors of the Environment, fosters environmental respect among children — and also teens and adults.

We had a great lunch at the Beach House Restaurant. Nestled by the beach, we sat in the shade of palm trees and thoroughly enjoyed this idyllic setting. The food was exceptional and the view was stunning. With multiple fine dining options, and a Club Lounge with five daily food presentations, the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua offers great possibilities for your family's next Hawaiian vacation. For the best in luxury values, book through a Virtuoso travel consultant for a complimentary daily breakfast buffet for two, upgrade upon availability, and more!

Ritz Carlton Kapalua (search here on Google)

copyright (c) 2008 by David J. Ourisman. All rights reserved. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.
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11.13.2007

Tryall Club | caribbean vacation villas

Imagine a Caribbean vacation in your own villa overlooking the sea. I recently stayed at "Little Hill," a five bedroom home on the grounds of the Tryall Club near Montego Bay, Jamaica. A great place for fun and relaxation, Tryall provides a spectacular setting. There's nothing quite like sitting on your own porch reading a book and enjoying one of the most beautiful views in the world (pictured).

Surrounded by a challenging 18 hole championship golf course that has hosted professional events, each villa at Tryall has its own individual swimming pool, and all guests have exclusive access to Tryall's private beach. Villas are even equipped with golf carts to get around the extensive property. Tryall offers two restaurants (one right by the beach), a kids program, tennis courts, shopping, free wireless internet in the Great House, even a large pool with swim-up bar. It's a great place to visit, whether for a family vacation, honeymoon, or destination wedding.

Villas offer the ultimate in luxury and privacy. Your staff will cook for you, do your laundry, even provide babysitting if you want to go out in the evening. The Tryall Club is part of the Virtuoso network of hotels and resorts. Book through your Virtuoso luxury travel consultant and receive a choice of complimentary amenities (choices include round-trip airport transfers, lunch for 4, or golf).

Tryall Club (Search here on Google).

copyright (c) 2007 by David J. Ourisman. All rights reserved. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.
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4.26.2007

walking in Wales

In today's column, I want to write about a destination, the United Kingdom (specifically Wales), and about my favorite way to explore any destination ... walking. The UK is an ideal destination for Americans for several reasons.

We speak the language. There's none of the insecurity that many experience when realizing they speak very little French, Italian, or Spanish (not to mention Chinese or Thai). While there's no need to brush up on a Berlitz list of travel phrases, visitors to the British Isles can look forward to hearing their own mother tongue spoken with a delightfully different accent. You definitely get the experience of being in a different culture.

The weather is moderate year-round. Italy is a hot destination in more ways than one. As crowded and warm as Rome was this past September when I visited, it will be even hotter, more humid, and more crowded come July and August. Many people don't mind heat, but I do, so when I think of a summer destination, my mind thinks of places like England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales.

There are fascinating things to see and do in the British Isles. Golfers can enjoy links golf in Scotland, the very place the game began. History buffs can spend endless hours exploring the British Museum or visiting Roman ruins. The anthropologically minded can marvel at Stonehenge and Avebury.

Me? I am attracted to beautiful landscapes -- shady woods and colorful fields, country paths and stone fences, craggy mountains and glassy smooth lakes, rocky shorelines and dramatic cloud formations. I love being alone with nature, taking in its beauty one step at a time. Nature nourishes me. Walking is a way of slowing down, contemplating the gift of life, and being filled with the wonder of this planet that nurtures life.

There are many ways of doing a walking trip, from a luxurious, meticulously planned trip with Backroads or Butterfield & Robinson ... to an economical do-it-yourself walking holiday based in strategically located bed-and-breakfasts (which I will be doing next month in Wales). This is my favorite kind of travel to plan, so feel free to call on me.