MORAL COMPASS: Great Places to Go Where the Going Does Good

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Best in Travel, Hotels, Hotels & Resorts

Select Registry Names Winners of 2025 Craft Lodging Awards

November 13, 2025 MoralCompass

*Forty at Inn at Thorn Hill, Jackson, NH, was named “Best Restaurant”*

As travelers continue to embrace intentional, experience-driven travel, Select Registry has announced the winners of its 2025 Craft Lodging Awards, celebrating the most authentic and design-forward independent inns, boutique hotels, and B&Bs across the U.S. A few highlights include:

Stay for the Story | Inn at Black Star Farms – Suttons Bay, MI: Once a horse paddock, now a working winery and romantic inn producing world-class Riesling — including an international “Best in Show” winner.

Innkeepers of the Year | John & Missy Hillock, Chateau Bourbon – Louisville, KY: A fireman-veteran-turned-bartender and a psychologist-turned-innkeeper bring Southern charm (and bourbon) to life at their playful, personality-packed B&B.

Best Restaurant | Forty at Inn at Thorn Hill – Jackson, NH: Executive Chef Guy Putnam and Sommelier James LaPlante craft locally inspired dishes and a standout wine program that embody New England’s seasonal spirit.

Regional standouts:

Northeast: Top of the Ridge Farm – Mountain views for miles in NH

Southeast: Cuthbert House Inn – A waterfront Lowcountry gem in SC

Central: Cedar Crest Lodge – Farm-to-table flavors in Kansas hills

Mid-Atlantic: Brampton 1860 – Historic elegance near the Chesapeake Bay

West: The Armory Park Inn – Design-driven Tucson boutique stay

Full list available HERE

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health and wellness travel, Hotels & Resorts, Uncategorized

6 Epic Experiences at Wellness Resorts

July 31, 2024 MoralCompass

August is National Wellness Month and it’s an ideal time to plan a self-care getaway. Wellness seekers are constantly looking for the newest and most exclusive experiences, and these resorts, events, and packages are providing just that in some of the most beautiful, relaxing destinations in the world.

Ananda in the Himalayas goes global to the Maldives, Switzerland and Wales

World-renowned global wellness retreat, Ananda in the Himalayas takes its traditional wisdom and expertise around the world to these three destinations. From August 17-25, 2024, Ananda Wellness Residency at The Nautilus in the Maldives offers a transformative wellness experience that combines Ananda’s expertise in Ayurvedic therapies, Yogic energy work, and healthy gourmet cuisine with The Nautilus’s timeless hospitality offering. The Nautilus Maldives in the Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, provides an idyllic setting in the Indian Ocean.

From August 28-September 1, 2024, at the Nira Alpina in St. Moritz, Switzerland, Ananda in the Himalayas offers Ananda in the Alps, a unique Hatha Yoga, meditation and Ayurvedic culinary workshop in the Swiss Alps led by Ananda’s Yoga expert and therapist, Reema Saikia and Executive Chef and Ayurvedic cuisine expert Diwaker Balodi. One of the most unique hotels in the Swiss Alps, Nira Alpina is located amidst the beautiful snow-capped mountains and glassy pure lakes.

From September 30-October 4, 2024, Dreams of Ananda combines the ancient Indian sciences of Ayurveda, Yoga, and Meditation from the foothills of the Himalayas to the enchanting Celtic lands of Mid Wales. Personalized wellbeing and facilitators at The Dreaming, a wellness retreat in Wales, work to bring harmony back to attendees as they practice yoga, meditation, and more.

Hotel Belmar offers new wellness experiences in Costa Rica

Carbon neutral Hotel Belmar, a family-owned luxury eco-lodge situated in Costa Rica’s renowned Monteverde cloud forest highlands, adds to its wellness offerings with new yoga programs and more. Arantza joined in April as a certified yoga teacher, breathwork and lightwork facilitator, gene keys student, and dedicated guide. With over five years of experience, she curates mindful experiences, blending traditional yogic practices, tantra, pranayama, and more. Arantza’s sessions, grounded in self-empowerment and love, invite guests to discover their dharma, embrace transformation, and connect with the elements.

The hotel now offers a new Wellness Enhancement add-on package to elevate any stays into a thematic self-retreat. This add-on package includes daily farm-to-table breakfast, daily yoga sessions, healthy juice smoothies, a relaxing massage, a private breathwork session, and immersive nature experiences—all for $220 USD. For corporate or group travelers, Hotel Belmar also has new wellness packages available for groups of 8 – 20 people.

Scenset invites travelers on an Indonesian island getaway

An exclusive itinerary prepared by Carl Junior, Senior Travel Curator for luxury travel-tech company Scenset, promises wellness, adventure, and luxury in the captivating Indonesian islands. Discover the perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and luxury on this exclusive journey to dream destinations including Bali. Indonesia invites travelers to rejuvenate mind, body, and spirit in a culturally rich environment that promotes relaxation, rejuvenation, and holistic well-being.

Whether it’s yoga in Ubud’s lush rainforests, exclusive spa retreats in Uluwatu’s cliffside havens, or Sumba’s pristine beaches, Indonesia provides a perfect backdrop for immersive wellness experiences. Top-tier resorts, beach yoga, wellness consultations, sunset horseback rides, and gourmet dining are all part of the itinerary — available here.

Las Catalinas welcomes XTERRA Costa Rica event

From August 23-25, 2024, the town of Las Catalinas will host its first ever XTERRA Costa Rica. The event is an off-road multisport endurance competition featuring a full distance triathlon (individual and relay) with a 1600 meter open-water swim, 28-kilometer mountain bike and 9-kilometer trail run. The sprint triathlon includes an 800-meter open-water swim, a 20-kilometer mountain bike and a 5-kilometer trail run and covers over 42 kilometers of trails, beaches, and waterfront. Las Catalinas has also been the home to the Tri Las Catalinas, one of Costa Rica’s most celebrated triathlons since 2013.

The town has become an ideal destination for training, wellness, healing and recovery. With trails, biking, and water sports all nearby, it’s the ideal destination to reconnect with nature and seek some rejuvenation. Find out more about the triathlon here.

Naya Traveler takes wellness seekers to Argentina’s Patagonia

Offering tailor-made experiential journeys to a curated selection of destinations, Naya Traveler invites travelers to the heart of a 50,000-acre working cattle ranch in Argentina’s Patagonia region where Tipiliuke Lodge puts wellness at the forefront, welcoming guests to indulge in a variety of relaxing experiences. Naya Traveler works with local hosts and expert guides to design a personalized wellness journey from the very start. Amenities like a nutritionist, wood-fired sauna, hot tub with stunning vistas, and yoga studio with views of natural beauty are all part of the package, helping guests reconnect with nature and themselves.

Personal treatments from masseuses, yoga instructors, physiotherapists, and osteopaths from the nearby town of San Martin de los Andes complete the wellness offer. End each rejuvenating day under a canopy of stars, savoring renowned Argentinian Malbecs around a fire. Learn more about Naya Traveler’s wellness journeys.

Calabash Cove Resort & Spa provides top-notch rejuvenation in Saint Lucia

Known for its commitment to sustainability and eco-minded practices, Calabash Cove Resort and Spa is one of the most popular all-inclusive, adults-only boutique hotels in Saint Lucia. Its 26 villas feature old Caribbean charm coupled with luxurious and modern resort amenities. The resort’s Ti Spa offers a wide range of treatments that combine European technique with St. Lucia’s storied tradition of using plant and food-based curatives. Treatments are designed to cleanse the body with locally produced coffee or papaya scrubs. The signature Spa Sampler features holistic treatments like hot stone massage, aromatherapy, and counter stretching among other techniques. Guests can also enjoy the resort’s diverse vegan and vegetarian menu. The resort is one of the only properties in Saint Lucia to offer a vegan menu.

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ecotourism, health and wellness travel, Hotels & Resorts, Wellness-Health travel

Sattva Land Eco-Resort Offers GetAway Wellness-Focused Vacation in the Belizean Jungle

June 18, 2024 MoralCompass

*Nestled on 20 acres in Belize’s Mayan jungle, Sattva provides a tranquil space to reconnect to nature and establish a deeper connection to the self and the collective.*

Belize – You come to Sattva Land eco-resort in the heart of the Mayan jungle in Belize when you need to reset, experience the healing power of nature.

The multi-generational family-owned retreat property is renowned for its warm welcome, friendly vibe, wellness amenities, and a setting that lets nature work her healing magic on guests.

“One of the most fundamental experiences we seek out as humans is connection. Whether it’s connection to other humans, the environment, spirituality, or our deeper selves, connecting and weaving our story into the larger tapestry of life often results in profound feelings of peace and wellbeing,” said Sam Combs, general manager and a lead facilitator at Sattva.

Nestled on 20 acres in the jungle, retreats at Sattva Land offer transformational programming along with spa treatments, jungle hikes, meditative garden walks, dips in the natural swimming pool and healing, plant-based cuisine.

With an enviable location immersed in bio-diverse forest and near the coral reefs the Belize coast is known for, Sattva Land offers a wide range of local excursions to waterfalls, caves, Mayan Temples and the Placencia beach. On-property guests can add to their retreat with additional programming from yoga and sound healing to chocolate tasting and a tour of the Sattva’s Land Project.

Accommodations at Sattva are first and foremost eco-friendly with a nod to creature comforts. Guests can choose from everything from a jungle castle to cabins, garden homes and modern suites overlooking a bubbling creek. Unlike many wellness-focused resorts, Sattva caters to individuals, couples and families. The natural setting coupled with an array of family-friendly activities make the resort perfect for multi-generational getaways.

Sattva offers two ongoing retreats. The Threshold is a personal retreat immersion designed specifically for your unique needs and wants. The Entwined retreat is for couples looking to relax, reconnect and grow together.

“As an off-grid, rainforest retreat center and community, Sattva creates a sacred space for people to feel held and supported while they make new connections, grow past their perceived comfort zones, and onboard new mindsets,” said Combs.

Founded in 2014 by members of the Garofalo Family, Sattva has evolved to become one of Belize’s top retreat centers. Nestled on 20 acres in Belize’s Mayan jungle, Sattva provides a tranquil space to reconnect to nature and establish a deeper connection to the self and the collective. At Sattva you’ll find a setting devoted to mindfulness, cultural integrity, diversity and connection to the land, people and the self

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Eco-friendly resorts and hotels, Hotels & Resorts

Luxury Goes Green: 5 Ways Resorts Around the World Are Making Every Day Earth Day

April 2, 2024 MoralCompass

Environmental responsibility is becoming an increasingly important factor for conscious travelers. Luxury resorts are undergoing a green revolution, with Solmar Hotels & Resorts, Majestic Hotel & Spa, and Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts leading the way. Forget the outdated image of luxury travel harming the environment – these resorts are proving you can have an unforgettable experience while minimizing your carbon footprint. Here are five ways these resorts are making every day Earth Day:

1. Endangered Species Conservation: Resorts are actively contributing to wildlife preservation. For example, Solmar Hotels & Resorts in Baja California participate in sea turtle protection programs, while Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts in the Dominican Republic focuses on reforestation and native plant restoration. These efforts ensure a healthy environment for future generations.

2. Waste Management and Reduction: Responsible waste management is paramount. Initiatives like recycling programs (including Solmar‘s unique Plastic Bottle Cap Bank that benefits children with cancer) and partnerships with certified waste disposal companies are becoming standard practice. These programs demonstrate a commitment to minimizing environmental footprint.

3. Third-Party Sustainability Certifications: Luxury goes beyond aesthetics. Resorts such as Barcelona’s Majestic Hotel & Spa hold certifications like ISO 14001, an internationally recognized standard for environmental management systems. These certifications provide independent verification of a resort’s commitment to sustainability.

4. Sustainable Operations Beyond Guest Areas: Environmental responsibility extends beyond the immediate guest experience. Solmar Golf Links’ Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program certification exemplifies how even golf courses can be eco-friendly. This program ensures courses are designed and maintained with minimal environmental impact while offering exceptional playing conditions.

5. Environmental Education and Community Engagement: Spreading awareness is critical. Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts‘ environmental education programs target guests, staff, and local communities. These initiatives foster a culture of sustainability that has a lasting impact beyond the resort itself.

By prioritizing these key initiatives, luxury resorts can offer guests an exceptional experience while safeguarding the environment for the future.

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Holiday travel, Hotels & Resorts, Importance of Tourism, Uncategorized

Hotels Poised for Strong Holiday Season Powered by Uptick in Business Travel

November 16, 2023 MoralCompass

Hotels continue hiring spree to meet demand, ask Congress for help with more workers

New York City’s Hotel Peninsula decked out for the holidays. The business outlook for hotels remains strong for the remainder of 2023 thanks to an uptick in business travel and a healthy preference among business and leisure travelers to stay in hotels, the AHLA forecasts © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

WASHINGTON (Nov. 16, 2023) – The business outlook for hotels remains strong for the remainder of 2023 thanks to an uptick in business travel and a healthy preference among business and leisure travelers to stay in hotels.

According to a survey commissioned by the American Hotel & Lodging Association and conducted by Morning Consult, 68% of Americans whose jobs involve travel said they were likely to travel overnight for business during the last three months of 2023, up from 59% in 2022. Hotels are the top lodging choice for 81% of business travelers surveyed.

The survey found that 32% of Americans are likely to travel overnight for Thanksgiving, up from 28% a year earlier, while 34% are likely to travel overnight for Christmas, up from 31% last year. Meanwhile, 37% of Americans said they were likely to travel overnight for leisure during the last three months of 2023, down slightly from 39% in 2022.

The survey also found that travel attitudes have largely returned to pre-pandemic norms. 71% of Americans now say their likelihood of staying in hotels is the same as prior to the pandemic, and nearly 70% of business travelers say their employers have either returned to the pre-pandemic normal or increased amounts of business travel. This is good news for hoteliers, as business travel is one of hotels’ main sources of revenue.

The survey of 4,006 adults was conducted Sept. 18-23, 2023.

Other key findings:

45% of Americans said they are more likely to stay in a hotel this holiday season than they were last year.
44% of Americans said they are likely to take more leisure/vacation trips this holiday season than they did last year.
59% of those planning to travel overnight for Thanksgiving plan to stay with family or friends, while 30% plan to stay at a hotel.
62% of those planning to travel overnight for Christmas plan to stay with family or friends, while 26% plan to stay at a hotel.

“Hotels are going above and beyond to take excellent care of guests as travel approaches pre-COVID levels, and this survey underscores that fact,” said AHLA President & CEO Chip Rogers. “America’s nearly 62,500 hotels are a bright spot for the nation’s economy. To continue growing, they need to hire more people, but a nationwide shortage of workers is preventing hotels from regaining all the jobs we lost to the pandemic. There are a number of steps Congress can take to help address our industry’s workforce challenges. Those include establishing an H-2B returning worker exemption, passing the Asylum Seeker Work Authorization Act, and passing the H-2 Improvements to Relieve Employers (HIRE) Act.”

More hotel industry facts:

According to Indeed, there are nearly 85,000 hotel jobs currently open across the nation.

As of September, the United States had 9.6 million job openings, but only 6.4 million unemployed people to fill them, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

As of September, national average hotel wages were $23.36/hour.

Since the pandemic, average hotel wages (+24.6%) have increased more than 30% faster than average wages throughout the general economy (+18.8%).

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Hotels & Resorts, National Parks

Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel in Yellowstone Reopens

July 25, 2023 MoralCompass

*The spectacular Grand Prismatic at Yellowstone National Park. Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel & Cabins are now open year-round © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

Wyoming/Montana/Idaho – Less than one year after historic monumental rains and flooding hit Yellowstone National Park, Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel & Cabins have opened their doors to guests once again. The National Park Service announced that repairs to the Mammoth wastewater treatment plant had been successfully completed allowing the property to reopen on July 1. With this event, all the lodges, hotels and Xanterra-run campgrounds in the park are now open and ready to serve guests. In fact, there are still in-park rooms and campsites available at many locations this summer, particularly later in the season, a rather rare occurrence.

The Mammoth Hotel & Cabins are located in the Mammoth Hot Springs Historic District that includes Fort Yellowstone, where 35 structures remain from the 1890s and early 1900s when the US Army administered the park. Significant conservation policies were developed here that led to the origin of the National Park Service. The hotel recently underwent major renovations of the public spaces and guest rooms. The hotel as it stands today was built in 1936, while retaining a wing of guest rooms originally built in 1911, and features its signature Map Room containing a large wooden map of the United States constructed of 15 different kinds of wood from nine countries. Guests enjoy a variety of in-park accommodations as well as the chance of spotting elk grazing outside the hotel.

Unknown to many, Yellowstone is open in the winter and the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel—named after nearby springs—offers a warm welcome to winter visitors as well. During this special season, daily guided tours depart from Mammoth Hotel to popular in-park hot spots like Lamar Valley, Yellowstone’s Grand Canyon and Old Faithful. The Bear Den ski shop, located in the gift shop, offers equipment, lessons, tips, and tours for cross-country skiers and snowshoe enthusiasts.

To search and book reservations visit www.yellowstonenationalparklodges.com. Guests should check the National Park Service website for the latest on trip planning, weather, road conditions and construction. The NPS app is also available for download.

See:

YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK IN TWO DAYS: DAY 1: ‘RANDOM BOILING EARTH’

YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK IN TWO DAYS: MOTHER NATURE GETS SURREAL

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Eco-friendly resorts and hotels, ecotourism, Hotels & Resorts, Uncategorized

Mendocino’s Luxury, All-Vegan Stanford Inn is True to Eco-Tourism Ideal

July 19, 2023 MoralCompass

*Stanford Inn; an eco-conscious, vegan, luxury retreat perched on a hill overlooking the Pacific in Mendocino, California, proves ideal for our mini-moon © Eric Leiberman/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

Set on a stunning hillside on the Mendocino, California, coast overlooking the ocean, the luxury, all-vegan Stanford Inn prides itself on being committed to the highest ideal of sustainability and eco-tourism, not only for its own operations, but in sharing its knowledge and passion and inculcating the mindset and the means in its guests.

“Eco-tourism isn’t just choosing an exotic, threatened natural environment for your next vacation,” the inn declares. “It also means traveling in a way that protects and respects your destination, and improves your own well-being as well as that of the local community and the whole planet.”

Towards this end:

On-site certified organic gardens supplies the resort’s whole plant-based Ravens Restaurant, nationally acclaimed for gourmet vegan cuisine that focuses on whole plants rather than ersatz meats, cheeses or processed substitutes.

The Inn offers cooking classes, from beginner up, as well as on-site classes in organic gardening and farming.

The Inn shares its knowledge, experience and passion through its Environmental Leadership Field School, where it promotes a sustainable mindset that begins with understanding soil, gardening, food production and preparation.

The Inn works to reduce its carbon footprint, has vigorous composting and recycling programs, bio-diesel fueled trucks and providing guests access to nine EV charging stations.

The Inn only uses sustainable lumber, paints, cleaning supplies and other materials for the frequent upgrades made to the property.

The Stanford Inn founders, Joan and Jeff Stanford, moved to Mendocino in 1980, say, “…we were changed by the creative and healing energies of the land which is situated between the vast Pacific Ocean and the vibrant Big River. Since then, we have worked to assure our guests have an opportunity to experience what we experience: a special place that enlivens and inspires. The energies we experience here nurtured us and we reciprocate by nurturing not only our guests, but the people who work here, the farm and gardens and the Mendocino community. We approach the inn as a small family farm. We treat our guests as we do our family.”

The Stanford Inn, 44850 Comptche Ukiah Road, Mendocino, CA 95460, 707-937-5615, 800-331-8884, concierge@stanfordinn.com, https://stanfordinn.com.

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Hotels & Resorts, Responsible Tourism

Dominican Republic’s Newest Sustainable, Exclusive Island Oasis: Cayo Levantado

May 17, 2023 MoralCompass

Welcoming guests starting June 1, 2023, **Cayo Levantado Resort** is Dominican Republic’s newest five-star oasis located on the island of Cayo Levantado, just a few miles away from Samaná Bay, combining elements of sustainability and innovation to have a positive ecological, cultural and economic impact.

MIAMI, FL – Welcoming guests starting June 1, 2023, Cayo Levantado Resort is Dominican Republic’s newest five-star oasis located on the island of Cayo Levantado, just a few miles away from Samaná Bay, combining elements of sustainability and innovation to have a positive ecological, cultural and economic impact.

The luxury resort is an exclusive and sophisticated product from Grupo Piñero, a Spanish multinational family-owned company founded in 1977. In addition to its Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts portfolio, the company now launches Cayo Levantado Resort as a unique and differentiated brand, entering a new market- the luxury segment. This brand-new all-inclusive resort will feature premium standards in alignment with Forbes Travel Guide, the world’s leading authority on excellence in hospitality.

“With a profound respect for the environment, we focus our expertise on protecting the delicate ecosystem and preserving its spectacular flora and fauna,” said Pablo del Toro, Technical Environmental Advisor, Grupo Piñero. “In order to operate and power the hotel efficiently, gardening, waste management and renewable energy is required. Among the renewable energy sources, you’ll find thermal energy, heat recovery and solar panels.”

Other aspects of the project that are less concealed but equally important to their sustainability efforts, are the landscaping and gardening, which goes beyond regular gardening to include gardening with a conservation approach. The island has an extremely unique ecosystem where only certain species can be found. In terms of landscaping, the goal is to specifically support and preserve the inclusion of all these species, active on the island and northern part of Samaná, which holds a significant quantity of endemic types and biodiversity, to be reflected in the hotel’s garden.

Under the concept A Rhythm All Its Own, Cayo Levantado invites guests to cultivate their inner rhythm, designed to promote the deepest personal wellness: mind, body and spirit through the island’s four enchanting wellness paths – REFRESH, RESTORE, RELAX and RENEW.

Sustainability Pillars

Honoring the Natural Rhythm-

To stay at Cayo Levantado Resort is to be at one with nature. With a deep respect for the environment, Cayo Levantado focuses its expertise on ecological impact and sustainability, protecting its delicate ecosystem and preserving its spectacular fauna and flora.

Waste management is a very important component of Cayo Levantado given that islands require rubbish to be removed. Through a biodigester, the island’s waste is transported and used for energy purposes. Naturally, there will be many elements at a sustainability level that are both visible and invisible; this is where the A Rhythm All Its Own notion comes to play. At Infrastructure-levels, there are elements that customers typically directly perceive and experience first-hand, but elements like waste management via a biodigester are intangible to visitors and help to convey the “hidden reality” of the project.

Celebrating the Cultural Rhythm-

An invitation to immerse yourself in the Dominican lifestyle awaits every visitor to Cayo Levantado Resort. After decades of creating experiences linked to local life, the resort has designed a delicate and authentic stay for their guests. By integrating the heartbeat of island life—its music, its dances, its traditional cuisine and, most importantly, its vibrant residents—the resort celebrates the cultural rhythm in each of its encounters.

One of the great strengths of Cayo Levantado Resort is the integration of the local culture by incorporating Dominican Republic talent in the refurbishment, operation and maintenance of the resort, thus contributing to the development and generation of employment in the area and showing the world the authentic heart of Samaná.

Cayo Levantado Resort has brought in a group of Dominican designers, interior designers and architects who will contribute to reflecting the Dominican culture through its different areas.

The entire concept of the local culture of the reform is headed by architect Ramón Emilio Jiménez and his studio Arquimilio. While all part of the culinary and cocktail development is under the responsibility of Dominican chefs Pedro Mota and Carlos Romero.

Cultivating Our Inner Rhythm-

The experience at Cayo Levantado Resort offers an intense and meaningful connection with the environment. The rhythm and feel of each activity are designed to promote the deepest personal wellness: mind, body, and spirit. Only through careful attention to detail, subtle listening and an intuitive and generous team can the resort offer the greatest of luxuries: facilitating self-discovery and connection with oneself, the most cherished and healing rhythm of all.

For more information and bookings, visit Cayo Levantado Resort, https://www.bahia-principe.com/en/resorts-in-dominican-republic/cayo-levantado-resort/

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Hotels & Resorts, National Parks, Uncategorized

May The Fourth Be With You: Death Valley Doubles for a Galaxy Far, Far Away

April 22, 2023 MoralCompass

DEATH VALLEY, Calif. – May The Fourth – (April 2023, on Earth) –Lights, Camera, Vacation! While set-jetting may be one of the biggest trends this year, movie fans have been vacationing at The Oasis at Death Valley for decades on a quest to visit location sites “a galaxy far, far, away” from the 1977 movie Star Wars. These visits start inevitable tales of when the movie’s director came to this true American Oasis in 3.4 million square miles of desert, oasis and mountain national park to film and transport people to another galaxy.

In celebration of the epic tale and Hollywood franchise, “Star Wars,” The Oasis at Death Valley hyper-spaced an exclusive map for guests leading them to the filming locations that are easily accessible via car.

Past generations of employees have shared stories with newer generations and certainly know where the movie locations are. These include the breathtakingly and picturesque locations throughout Death Valley National Park including Dante’s View, Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, Desolations Canyon, Artist’s Drive and Golden Canyon – all just a quick 20-to-40-minute drive from the Resort – the only resort in Death Valley National Park.

Just two hours from Las Vegas through the desert and more than four hours from Los Angeles, the nearest town or pretty much anything is at least an hour’s drive at a high-speed limit and no traffic lights.

And if you want to explore the universe, this is the place – it’s one of the only gold-tier designated International Dark Sky Parks in the United States where stargazers can see the Milky Way with the naked eye.

While Death Valley may seem like another universe to vacationers, those in the know have also found an “oasis-like planet” that is the luxurious AAA Four-Diamond The Inn at Death Valley and the family-friendly The Ranch at Death Valley both part of the recent $150 million renaissance at the Oasis at Death Valley. Death Valley is usually sunny (there is almost no rain). There are few bugs. It’s also beautiful and the Oasis boasts massive swimming pools, gardens, golf, tennis, horseback riding, numerous restaurants, a date palm grove, a general store, post office and ample lush lawns to run and play or do just nothing but take in the stunning scenery during the day and stars at night. There is a resort, a hotel, private casitas, and 80 new cottages.

For more information and reservations, visit oasisatdeathvalley.com.

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